News: Demolition marks end of a chapter in Rotherham regen scheme

Demolition work is well underway to make way for a brand-new community hub in the heart of a Rotherham town.

Planning permission was granted for a new library at Wath in 2024 as part of a scheme that is backed by government funding.

A new two-storey building will be built on the site of the existing library, as part of a £9.9m community and commercial development being delivered by Rotherham Council. Last year a Stage 1 Pre-construction contract was awarded to Tilbury Douglas following a competitive tendering exercise.

The new Wath Library project is set to include a state-of-the-art library building, improved public realm, redesign of the site to enhance connectivity and visibility of town centre offer, and address perceptions of security, provision of a new commercial unit in prime location on the market square to attract new businesses, improvements to facilities for learning, working, and making, and improvements to the car park.

Advertisement
Demolition work began in February and as it takes place, stage 4 design work is being carried out.

Cllr. John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, said: “It’s great to see real progress on site. This project will create a modern, welcoming space for the community and play a key role in Wath’s future.”

In May, Rotherham Council's cabinet approved a further £2.04m for the project which secured £9.9m from the government's Levelling Up funds.

A council report set out that detailed contractor pricing and refinement of the scheme following appointment had "identified cost pressures that cannot be accommodated within existing contingencies."

Cost increases were due to an increase in demolition costs of around £800k, largely due to the presence of previously unidentified and significant levels of asbestos.

An increase in construction costs and inflationary increases due to delays in tendering, contractual negotiations, design and cost assessments and additional design fees all added to the rising costs.

An option to stick with the original £9.9m budget was discounted as providing a smaller building footprint and changing to the external design would require a full redesign and new Planning approval, causing significant delays to the project.

The report adds: "The scheme for Wath Library was developed with the aim of transforming this prominent site in one of the Borough’s principal settlements, with high quality place making in order to restore the cultural heart of the town centre, increase footfall, boost the local economy, and restore a sense of pride within the community.

"The scheme includes demolition of the existing library and the creation of a brand-new library to deliver a modern, inviting, and inclusive community facility. The redevelopment is designed to enhance the visitor experience between Biscay Way and the High Street to encourage visitors into the town centre."

Images: RMBC

Read more...

News: Trading up - Rotherham stall-holders look ahead to market move

Rotherham’s new Market Hall opens this week - the first phase of a £46.8m redevelopment project in the town centre.

Lead contractors on behalf of Rotherham Council, Henry Boot Construction are putting the finishing touches to the Drummond Street site whilst traders from the indoor market temporarily move into the brand new space.

Alongside a new modern central library, the redevelopment of the markets is divided into two areas, an outdoor covered market, which is being rebuilt, and an adjacent indoor market, which is being revamped.

Paul from P&P Cobbler & Keys, said: "I'm a shoe repairer and key cutter. I can pretty much put my hand to anything. Done it for years, to be honest, since I left school. And here I am today!

"This building has been open since 1971, and it's tired. It's old. It's an old building. It's been a great building. I've been here since 1985 and I think having a new building is good. It's going to be great. Most important to me is that we move forward. I think that's going to be a breath of fresh air that we need. Come down, check the place out."

Andy, from Joe's Butchers, added: "Personally, I've been in market 28 years. We pride ourselves in a lot of home-produced things and try and produce the best quality meats we can, at an affordable price. People do come to us on a regular basis, which I'm very grateful for. We have a bit of a laugh and a joke and things like that. If you're in a supermarket, you look on shelves, you pick things up, chuck it in your trolley, and away you go. They just lack the personal touch.

"When we move into new market, the the main entrance is going to be on Drummond Street, which is straight across from Rotherham College. It's got nice steps leading down into it, landscaped gardens, and a big open space outside. It's going to be all singing, all dancing, all looking nice. We're all moving up there, all brand new stalls, clean, tidy, and all we need is the customers to follow us, which I'm sure they will."

Advertisement
James from Milk from the Hills is a relative newcomer to Rotherham Markets. He said: "We sell milk and milkshakes directly from the farm. The younger generation love it because they've never had it before. They're used to supermarket milk, which is homogenized, quite highly processed, and the older generation love it because it reminds them of what they used to have, when the cream used to rise to the top of the bottle.

"We could see what was happening with Rotherham Market, the investment that was being put in, the rejuvenation of the market. So, we thought, you know what? We'll play the long game and get involved from the very beginning. A new space, a fresher space to bring, well, the youth back into the market again and rejuvenate it is pretty much essential now. Quite proud to be part of it, to be honest."

Hash from Hash's Mobile Phones And Accessories, is one of the longest serving traders at Rotherham Market. He said: "We do repairs. We sell the full range of accessories. We sell phones. We deal in tablets, iPads. I think in a market hall, I think you become a family. That's the reason we don't leave the market. A very friendly atmosphere, I personally think. We offer a good service. I know people put us down because they think we're just market traders and just small businesses, but I think they get a better service from us than the the bigger shops.

"Keep supporting us, keep coming. We'll keep doing what we can do."

With the entrance facing Rotherham College, access is through a new outdoor space where a number of market stalls will be based. A temporary mobility access entrance will also be available on Henry Street opposite Tesco, and clear signage will help residents, shoppers and families find their way.

Parking is available nearby, including three hours free in Tesco, and up to one-hour free parking, Monday to Friday, in the Drummond Street car park operated by Rotherham Council, which also offers free parking in all its off-street car parks on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Rotherham Council's latest timetable has the library planning to open later this year with the indoor market completing in Autumn 2027.

Rotherham Markets website

Images: Tom Austen / RMBC

Read more...

News: Opening date for Rotherham's new multimillion pound market hall

Operators, Rotherham Council, have confirmed an opening date for the new market hall in Rotherham town centre - the first phase of a £46.8m redevelopment project.

Lead contractors on behalf of Rotherham Council, Henry Boot Construction, began enabling works on the Drummond Street site in 2023. Alongside a new modern central library, the redevelopment of the markets is divided into two areas, an outdoor covered market, which is being rebuilt, and an adjacent indoor market, which is being revamped.

The New Market Hall is set to open for business on Friday July 10.

Work will continue on the library and move onto the indoor market. Traders in the current indoor market are expected to move temporarily into the New Market Hall until the revamp is complete.

The existing indoor market will remain open as usual until the move, with the last day of trading on Thursday July 2 to allow traders to relocate to the Market Hall.

Advertisement
Mark Brown, Dalefarm Foods, Market Trader at Rotherham Market, said: "I’m a butcher in Rotherham Market. I’ve worked in this market since I was 16 years old, on and off for years, and I’ve been here for five or six years now.

“There’s a lot of investment going into Rotherham at this time, and moving into the new Market Hall is something we’re really looking forward to.

“We offer a lovely, fresh product at a good price, and people need to get back into the markets and support local traders.

“We do try to give people a good bargain where we can, and we’ll be putting on a lot of good offers to coax people back into Rotherham, so come down and see us on opening day.

“Let’s build Rotherham back up again."

The entrance to the Market Hall will be on Eastwood Lane (on the Rotherham College side of the building), with access through a new outdoor space where a number of market stalls will be based.

To coincide with the move, Rotherham Council has rebranded the markets, with new logos and signage, using the strapline: "More than a market.".

Cllr. John Williams, Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, said: “This move means our traders can continue serving customers locally while improvement works to the current indoor market take place.

“We know how important the market is to Rotherham, both for shoppers and for the businesses who rely on it. The priority has been to keep that offer together, accessible and open throughout.

“The Market Hall provides a town centre location where people will still find the traders they know, supporting them while work continues.”

Rothbiz reported last month on the support being offered to traders during the redevlopment.

To complete the work, Rotherham Council's cabinet recently approved the use of various council funding pots to fill a funding gap following an increase in the total budget from £40.894m to £46.844m.

The paper included a timetable that showed that the library is planned to open later this year with the indoor market completing in Autumn 2027.

Rotherham Markets website

Images: Henry Boot / RMBC

Read more...

News: "Not acceptable" - council's incapability to control capital costs can't continue

Frank discussions have been held between elected members and council officers over large capital regeneration projects in Rotherham that keep going over budget.

A wide ranging review of how council-led projects are managed is set to take place as the authority wrestles with its largest ever capital investment programme having secured millions in funding for regeneration,

It comes after the cabinet approved a further £8m, including using various council pots to fill a funding gap following an increase in the total budget of the town centre markets and library redevelopment from £40.894m to £46.844m. The request for another £5.95m is a year after the council secured a further £6.5m from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to cover previous budget increases.

Cllr. John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, said that he was "extremely frustrated and disappointed" that the town centre project was back before cabinet seeking further financial support.

Cllr. Williams told fellow cabinet members: "As part of some of the very frank discussions that myself and the leader [Cllr. Chris Read] have been involved in with senior officers, we have made it absolutely clear that this is not acceptable and that things need to improve in the delivery of big capital projects. The first step of that journey in terms of making that improvement is to be open and honest and transparent about the issues that have occurred.

"I am pleased that this report is set out in the way that it is. It is quite a frank and direct read, quite a difficult read in places, but I'm pleased we've taken that step."

In a series of challenges in the delivery of the project, the cabinet report highlighted an increase in demolition costs, inflationary increases linked to delays with extended periods of clarifications and amendments, and "an overestimation of project readiness" when the contract was awarded.

Williams added: "The issues clearly raise significant questions on both the original designs, on the project and cost management of the project, and on internal governance overseeing the delivery of this scheme."

The council's chief executive is commissioning an investigation into the markets and library project and recently told councillors that he is also set to conduct a separate independent "end-to-end review of the capital project processes with a focus on large-scale development projects with a view to identifying learning and developing recommendations on how to embed best practice going forward."

John Edwards, chief executive at Rotherham Council, said: "I'm looking at how can we improve and how can we look across. I'm looking to an independent external organisation, perhaps another local authority, to look at the process we have in that space and help us to develop the very best of practice going forward.

"We have lots of skilled staff across the council but there is no doubt that a stronger culture and process is necessary in order for us to enter into, and then see through, major projects effectively, in a timely way, and within budget."

Advertisement
Simon Moss, Director of Regeneration and Environment at Rotherham Council, added that there had already been significant improvement in project and programme management in recent years. He said: "We've established new gateway processes, there's been lessons around contractual approaches and routes to market, and also around empowering the project manager and project sponsor to ensure that control and influence on key project decisions are aligned closely to those that are accountable to the project.

"On this particular project [the town centre markets and library], unfortunately some of the challenges were fundamentally "baked in" already and improvements since then have helped to identify and mitigate some of those issues, unfortunately rather than eradicate them, but I can offer my own assurances that significant lessons have been learnt and are being employed on other projects which we are seeing successfully delivered across the borough."

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of the council, said: "There will be people who are unhappy, angry about the cost, and worried about what that means for the scheme. The first thing to say, just to reiterate again, of course we cannot continue to spend bigger and bigger amounts of money on these capital schemes, that isn't acceptable to us, and it isn't acceptable to the taxpayer, and none of us should stand for it. So the decision that we are taking, today - this is not a blank cheque but it is the money that is necessary to bring them to fruition. We will ensure that those town centre schemes are delivered.

"The library should be open later this summer, so people should be able ti use those new facilities, and goodness knows we've waited something like 15 years for the library to be relocated back into the town centre so we'll deliver on that. The first stage, the market hall, should be operational in the coming months and we will make sure that that work is done.

"If we were to stop now we would leave ourselves with a half-completed project in the middle of town that would at some stage in the future require even more money to get back into some sort of good use, and we won't stand for that. Without investment in that markets complex that building would have come to the end of its natural life, it would have closed and hundreds of years of Rotherham as a market town would have come to a conclusion and we are not going to accept that either.

"The investigation is also really important. It is important that the council learns the lessons of the mistakes that have been made, that improvements are made in the way that major projects are organised, because, frankly, otherwise the taxpayer and this cabinet will once again be put in a position of not being able to rely on the information that is put in front of us. And that undermines us and it undermines the democratic process, and it means that we will not be able to do our best for our borough."

Images: Henry Boot Construction / LinkedIn

Read more...

News: Rotherham markets revamp goes over budget again - reaches £46m

With the first phase due to open in a matter of months, the cost of completing a long-awaited revamp of the markets in Rotherham town centre has risen again and is now at £46.84m, more than double original estimates.

An increase in demolition costs, inflationary increases linked to delays with extended periods of clarifications and amendments, and "an overestimation of project readiness" when the contract was awarded are being highlighted in a series of challenges in the delivery of the project.

The council's chief executive is commissioning an investigation into the project, which, for town centre schemes, is second only to the £47m Forge Island development in terms of total investment.

The redevelopment of the Drummond Street site also includes a modern central library, a new community hub, improved public spaces, and links to the town centre and college. The renovations will build upon the existing mix of shops and services with the addition of a new food hub and dining area on the first floor. Flexible space is also being created which can be used for exhibitions and events when required.

Henry Boot began works at the end of 2023 and have since made progress on the construction which has a total contract price of £36m.

The revamp was originally scheduled to finish in December 2025 but this was pushed back to 2027. When government funding was originally confirmed, the estimated cost of the project was £22m.

Having secured a further £6.5m from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) last year, Rotherham Council's cabinet is being asked to approve an allocation from various council funding pots to fill a funding gap following an increase in the total budget from £40.894m to £46.844m.

£200,000 is set to come from the Local Regeneration Fund (LRF) surplus, £1.66m from the council's Town Centre Investment Fund and £4m from the authority's Capital Contingency Fund.

Advertisement
A cabinet paper states: "Over the course of the project’s development, a number of challenges have arisen which has rendered the achievement of this scope undeliverable for the current agreed budget. Further, the delivery of the Outdoor Covered Market and Library has continued, in line with the agreed contract, resulting in insufficient budget to complete the project to the agreed scope.

"The Chief Executive of the Council will commission an investigation into how these challenges have arisen and what lessons can be learnt."

On delivery, the council admits that it tendered and entered into a contract before key assumptions had been confirmed, "resulting in an overestimation of project readiness. At contract award, the design and specification were insufficiently developed to be construction-ready, with undue reliance on value engineering assumptions and provisional sums. Contingency was underestimated, and an excessive level of risk was transferred to the Council."

A lack of detail on the council's specifications required further definition following the award of the tender, with the paper stating that: "This was in part due to a lack of stakeholder engagement early in the scheme." Extended periods of clarifications and amendments to layouts and servicing caused delays and increased contractor costs.

Outstanding design work required the appointment of additional design expertise, leading to significant delays and rising costs. "The volume of design work, clarification and consolidation between numerous design teams led to further delay and cost," the paper added.

When the design was completed, value engineering opportunities were anticipated to bring down costs but these assumptions did not happen.

The project also included unconfirmed budgets against which actual costs would be attributed as the project progressed. The risk of any cost increase in these provisional sums was accepted by the Council and contingency was insufficient.

Costs were also increased by Health & Safety and Compliance, as the council was unable to carry out invasive surveys before the contract was awarded. A "significant presence of RAAC and of asbestos" in the building, which opened in 1971, was previously blamed for cost rises.

The paper also sets out that, on governance and resourcing: "Fundamental aspects were lacking at crucial stages of the project, which led to uncertainty in decision-making and meant the scheme was not prioritised for oversight, management and resource in a way that properly reflects its multi-faceted nature and scale."

Also included in the report is the latest contractor programme which indicates the completion of various parts of the scheme:

• New Market Hall: June 2026
• Library: Autumn 2026
• Public Realm: Spring 2027
• Market Gardens: June 2026
• Library: December 2026
• Market Square: Spring 2027
• Indoor Market: Autumn 2027

Images of how the new Rotherham markets might look inside when complete, were published last year.

Images: Henry Boot Construction / LinkedIn

Read more...

News: How the new Rotherham markets might look when complete

As progress continues on the construction of the new £40m markets and library development in Rotherham town centre, the architect has given a hint at what it might look like inside.

Lead contractors on behalf of Rotherham Council, Henry Boot Construction, began enabling works on the Drummond Street site in 2023. The redevelopment of the markets is divided into two areas, an outdoor covered market, which is being rebuilt, and an adjacent indoor market, which is being revamped.

The renovations will build upon the existing mix of shops and services with the addition of a new food hub and dining area on the first floor. The outdoor market was initially expected to become a flexible space which can be used for exhibitions and events when required. The second floor will host contemporary office spaces for charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups.

The library is set to include a high-quality children’s area with fun spaces for reading and storytelling, and a dedicated IT area and business development facility. The second floor will contain meeting facilities and a Maker Space for learning and exploring using the latest technology.

Once work is completed on the outdoor market and library, work will commence on the refurbishment of the indoor market.

With nearly 500 tonnes of steel already installed and the basement steelwork complete, the new covered market and library are on track to open in spring 2026, with full redevelopment due in early 2027.

Advertisement
Niemen Blume Architects were appointed as the architect and lead designer last year to lead the Stage 4 and 5 design process and oversee the redesign of key project elements in partnership with contractor, Henry Boot Construction, and Adept Consulting Engineers.

Scott Lunn, Director and Project Lead at Niemen Architects, said on appointment: “It’s incredibly exciting to be part of the Rotherham Markets and Library project, especially as Rotherham is my hometown. I have fond memories of visiting the Markets as a child, and it’s a privilege to play a key role in the revitalisation of such a prominent and recognised location.”

Niemen explained that one of the key design elements of the project is converting the existing outdoor covered market to become a fully enclosed market hall with flexible trading spaces alongside fixed market stalls.

Inside visitors can expect a comprehensive refurbishment of existing indoor retail spaces and the integration of a new dining level providing a mix of social spaces within the retail environment.

The project, second only in the town centre to Forge Island in terms of investment, also comes with a public realm element with the creation of flexible external public spaces capable of hosting diverse community events and exhibitions.

Niemen Blume Architects website

Images: Niemen Blume

Read more...

News: Steelwork marks progress of £40m markets and library development in Rotherham town centre

The brick and blockwork is now rising at the £40m regeneration scheme in Rotherham town centre that includes the redevelopment of the ageing markets complex and a new library.

It follows the installation of the framework which has a steel tonnage of 320 tonnes.

Lead contractors on behalf of Rotherham Council, Henry Boot Construction, began enabling works on the Drummond Street site in 2023. The redevelopment of the markets is divided into two areas, an outdoor covered market, which is being rebuilt, and an adjacent indoor market, which is being revamped.

The renovations will build upon the existing mix of shops and services with the addition of a new food hub and dining area on the first floor. The outdoor market will become a flexible space which can be used for exhibitions and events when required. The second floor will host contemporary office spaces for charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups.

The adjoining library building will occupy the corner between Henry Street and Drummond Street and include a high-quality children’s area with fun spaces for reading and storytelling, and a dedicated IT area and business development facility. The second floor will contain meeting facilities and a Maker Space for learning and exploring using the latest technology.

Advertisement
Hambleton Steel led on steelwork apsects of the project.

The market building is using structural steelwork to further strengthen existing supporting columns and create an open-plan design to improve the visitor experience.

The outdoor covered market sits on a raised concrete slab which spans a ground floor service yard. The basement will be used to accommodate a car park and service both markets. Everything on top of the slab was removed to make space for the new outdoor covered market, but before the new structure could be installed, the supporting columns had to be strengthened.

For the new outdoor covered market, the Hambleton team were able to use mobile cranes, positioned alongside the structure which measures 50m x 43m and it reaches a height of 7.5m. The outdoor market’s steel frame has columns located in positions that matched the existing basement members. The steel-frame option for the outdoor market offered a lightweight solution which limited the strengthening and foundation work required in the basement.

The new outdoor market frame is a braced free-standing structure, which is independent of all existing structural elements. A movement joint separates it from the indoor market, while second expansion joint divides the outdoor market’s steelwork from the new library’s steel frame.

Once work is completed on the outdoor market and library, work will commence on the refurbishment of the indoor market. Work on the entire Rotherham Markets development is expected to complete in 2027.

Henry Boot website
Hambleton Steel website

Images: Henry Boot Construction

Read more...

News: Rotherham's new market and library to benefit from solar panel push

Great British Energy, the government’s publicly-owned clean energy company, has awarded mayoral authorities a share of £10m in grant funding to roll out clean energy projects at the centre of communities, with a major Rotherham regeneration project set to benefit.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is set to establish the Mayoral Renewables Fund Grant Scheme following a request for £572,025.

The government’s clean energy superpower mission will protect billpayers, create jobs and bring greater energy security through delivering clean power by 2030. Great British Energy will accelerate this by developing, investing and building clean energy projects across the UK.

Great British Energy is already cutting energy bills for public services, with solar panels already installed on 11 schools as part of plans to roll out the panels on around 200 schools and 200 hospitals in England.

Seven new projects in Doncaster and Rotherham have been identified for solar panels.

Advertisement
Last month Rotherham Council took the decision to utilise £350,000 of its own capital decarbonisation budget to maximise the solar photovoltaics (PV) on the town centre markets and library rooftops.

Construction is well underway on the £40.89m project which is due to be completed in 2027.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard, said: “The Rotherham Outdoor Market scheme is a brilliant example of how innovation can power local adaptation and resilience. By reducing emissions and energy costs, we’re supporting the stallholders who are the beating heart of the market - helping them grow in the face of rising energy prices and making the market more attractive for both traders and shoppers."

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: "Our plans will mean more money can be spent on the services that make working people better off and help strengthen the ties that bind us in our communities.

"This is what Great British Energy is all about - taking back control to deliver lower bills for good."

The Rotherham town centre development will include a refurbished indoor market and a modern and accessible central library, along with a new community hub and extensive public realm and improved links to the town centre and college. The renovations will build upon the existing mix of shops and services with the addition of a new food hub and dining area on the first floor.

The outdoor market will become a flexible space which can be used for exhibitions and events when required. The second floor will incorporate contemporary office spaces for charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups.

Images: RMBC

Read more...

News: Further improvements planned for public realm in Rotherham town centre

Further phases of improvements in key areas of Rotherham town centre have been detailed and are set to go ahead despite delays and rising costs.

The 2017 Rotherham Town Centre Masterplan highlighted the critical importance of public realm enhancements to help encourage and improve movement and connectivity, particularly between Forge Island and the wider town centre, and to improve the physical environment and experience within the town centre.

Work on key streets has been completed - College Street, Bridgegate, Frederick Street and Howard Street, with work recently getting underway at Riverside Gardens on a delayed £7.8m scheme that also includes work on Upper Millgate and Corporation Street.

With an original completeion date for all of the works at February 2024, Rotherham Council's cabinet has this month approved the budget for the next area of improvement - Effingham Street.

At the same time, plans have been submitted for details of the landscaping around the new £40.89m markets and library development.

Advertisement
The proposed designs for the Effingham Street public realm work cover a section running from Hastings Clock to the old Boots building, which has been earmarked for a new town centre health hub, and a lower section running from Market Square to the Camelia sculpture in All Saints' Square.

Work is set to include replacing and upgrading "old and tired" surface materials, improvements and upgrades to lighting to help improve safety and CCTV functionality, feature lighting, and the upgrading of street furniture.

The work will also impact market traders, currently operating on the street due to the revamp of the markets.

A council cabinet paper explains: "The outdoor covered market traders are currently displaced onto Effingham Street due to works to the Outdoor Covered Market (OCM), and they will be required to move again to allow works to take place on Effingham Street.

"Upon completion of the OCM, the existing indoor traders will have first priority to move into this new space temporarily whilst the Indoor Covered Market (ICM) works are taking place. It is expected that once this decant has taken place there will be some remaining space for displaced outdoor traders to return to the OCM. The need for additional space will be determined through engagement with traders, seasonal requirements and reviews of stall take up following reopening of the OCM. Should there be sufficient demand for on street trading, Frederick Street will be proposed as the preferred solution."

Works on Effingham Street will also provide new power supplies for market stalls and events, with an improved layout of market stalls set to provide additional space for traders and space to expand the offer to other street markets including continental food markets.

£6.9m was originally budgeted for the earlier phases but there has been cost increases as a result of the delivery of the Howard Street project. £343,992 has been reported for Effingham Street in the council's Capital Programme with the council's cabinet agreeing to reallocate funding from the authority's Town Centre Investment Fund (TCIF).

With Henry Boot Construction well underway on the new markets and library, an illustrative landscape masterplan has been updated for the streets around the development site.

Plans shows a significant stepped area between the new markets and the college buildings on Eastwood Lane, improvements to the Market Square area where Effingham Street meets Howard Street - including an area designed to lead to the entrance to the indoor market, and work on Drummond Street which will be where the entrance to the new library will be.

The markets project is due to complete in 2027.

Images: Google Maps / RMBC

Read more...

News: £36m Rotherham market taking shape

The £36m refurbishment of Rotherham Markets has taken a major steps forward, including the demolition of the Guardian Centre buildings, the removal of the markets’ iconic tent roof and new steelwork erected.

Appointed by lead contractor, Henry Boot Construction, Rotherham-based demolition experts, Demex, were responsible for the dismantling of the iconic tensile fabric tent and its supporting metal structure, which has been a recognisable part of Rotherham’s town centre for almost three decades.

Demex were also in charge of carefully managing the pulling down of the former Drummond Street shops – also known as the Guardian Centre buildings – to the Henry Street corner of the site.

This carefully managed process has seen the first visual changes at the historic site and showcases the exciting change Henry Boot Construction is delivering in the town centre.

Construction began in May last year on the project, which is a key part of Rotherham Council’s wider town centre masterplan set to become a new cultural and social focal point for the town.

Advertisement
Modernisations to the existing Rotherham Markets structure will build upon the existing shops and services on the ground floor, with the addition of a new food hall and dining area on the first level. The adjoining outdoor market will be refurbished to become a multi-functional space used to host exhibitions and community events.

Alongside the markets, a striking new library has been designed with the town’s community needs in mind. This modern, flexible venue will feature a dedicated children’s area, café, community meeting spaces, working spaces, a business development facility and IT centre.

Interlinking the markets and library will be a series of high-quality public spaces, helping to enhance the appearance, accessibility and inclusivity of the area, as well as seamlessly connecting it to the rest of the town centre and Rotherham College.

With the demolition stage complete, work continues with the installation of the steel frame for the new outdoor covered market (OCM) and library.

The project is expected to complete in 2027.

Demex website
Henry Boot website

Images: Tom Austen / Henry Boot / Demex

Read more...

News: Contractor appointed to £10m Rotherham regeneration scheme

A library in Rotherham will temporarily relocate next month as work on a new building forges ahead.

Planning permission was granted for a new library at Wath in October last year as part of a scheme that is backed by government funding.

A new two-storey building will be built on the site of the existing library, as part of a £9.9m community and commercial development being delivered by the council.

A delegated decision has now been made by the authority resulting in the recommended award of the Stage 1 Pre-construction contract to Tilbury Douglas following a competitive tendering exercise.

Exeter-headquartered Tilbury Douglas completed the Parkgate link road at the end of 2024.

Drawn up by Rotherham Council architects, the new split level 2/3 storey public library building has been designed to create a modern, inviting, and inclusive community facility.

Also including a cafe with outside seating, it is envisaged that the new banking hub will also move into the new building.

Public spaces around the library will also be improved as part of the scheme.

Advertisement
As part of ongoing work, the existing library service will close its doors on Saturday, May 3, and relocate temporarily to 4 Sandygate, which was previously the Adrian Allen Training Academy.

The temporary location – which will open on Monday June 2 - will still offer a full provision, including meeting spaces, public PCs, fiction and non-fiction sections, a children’s area, free Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi printing, and a variety of activities and events, including Makerspace sessions.

Demolition of the existing library building will begin this autumn, with the new library set to open in spring 2027. It was due to be completed in Summer 2026.

The new library will be a modern and vibrant space, creating an environment for the community to come together. Public spaces around the library will also be improved as part of the scheme, while the redevelopment will also include commercial space to support a vibrant mix of small businesses.

Work on a new building in Rotherham town centre is progressing alongside the market development. Lead contractor, Henry Boot, began erecting steelwork on the new £36m scheme this month.

Cllr Robert Taylor, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy said: “We’re looking forward to bringing this wonderful new community building and library to Wath.

“Libraries are so important for our communities so it’s great to see plans for the new building ramping up a gear. Not only will the new library in Wath be pleasing on the eye, but it will also provide people with somewhere to enjoy events and all the cultural benefits that come with a comfortable, well-equipped, modern library. The wider development will also give a welcome boost to the local economy.”

Images: RMBC

Read more...

News: Rotherham Markets development now expected to complete in 2027

Work has started on the demolition of the former Drummond Street shops – also known as the Guardian Centre buildings – at the Rotherham Markets site this week, paving the way for the development’s brand-new town centre library.

Second only to the £47m Forge Island development in terms of town centre investment, the £36m revamp was originally scheduled to finish in December 2025 but the latest update from contractors, Henry Boot says that "work on the entire Rotherham Markets development is expected to complete in 2027."

Having secured government money (£8.9m) from the Future High Streets Fund in 2020 for the project, a funding gap of £9.8m was identified in 2022, largely due to the impact of inflation on the project delivery costs. With the council filling the funding gap, work got underway last year.

The latest milestone in the project marks the first visual change at the historic markets site for members of the public, showcasing tangible progress in the creation of a more inviting, inclusive and accessible area of the town centre.

The demolition of the Guardian Centre buildings will last approximately six weeks. Rotherham-based Demex is the demolition subcontractor.

Once cleared, the site will become the location for the new modern, central library, which will tie into the vibrant refurbishment of the indoor and outdoor-covered markets, and extensive public realm improvements.

The new library building has been designed with the town’s community needs in mind. It will feature a dedicated children’s area, café, community meeting spaces, working spaces, a business development facility, IT centre and more.

Advertisement
Cllr Robert Taylor, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, said: "We are committing to investing in Rotherham’s future, and the removal of the older buildings brings us one step closer to a fantastic market development which will contain dynamic spaces for all to enjoy, whilst providing exciting opportunities for local businesses.

"In the meantime, Rotherham Indoor Market remains open for business as usual with a range of outdoor markets now taking place in the town centre, so I encourage everyone to continue to support our local traders until they are in their new facilities."

Once the demolition of the Drummond Street shops is complete in December, the distinctive outdoor market canopy – including fabric cover, support wires, and structural frame – will be removed in stages.

Tony Shaw, Managing Director at Henry Boot, said: "This is a significant moment in the Rotherham Markets redevelopment project, as it marks a key period of visual change for the town centre. This phase is making way for the future vision of the town centre – one that will help increase footfall and drive further growth and investment in the town. We look forward to continuing our work with Rotherham Council to breathe new life into the town centre."

The plans, which were approved in 2023, will bring together the library, markets, food hall, gallery, and event spaces onto one site, off Drummond Street. Once works are complete, visitors will benefit from a refurbished indoor and outdoor covered market, and an external recreation area.

Henry Boot Construction website

Images: RMBC

Read more...

News: Plans submitted for Wath regeneration scheme

A new chapter for Wath town centre has been outlined in a planning application for a £8.9m regeneration project.

In last year's Budget, the government announced that Rotherham will receive £20m for regeneration for Wath and Dinnington. It came after earlier bids for funding for the schemes were turned down twice.

£8.9m of government funding is set to focus on high quality place making to restore the cultural heart of Wath town centre, increase footfall, boost the local economy, and restore a sense of pride amongst the community.

Plans show that this will be done through the demolition of the existing 1970s library and a brand new library built in its place.

The library fronts onto Montgomery Square which acts as the Town’s market place. It sits between the town and the large Tesco store on Biscay Way.

Drawn up by Rotherham Council arhitects, the new split level 2/3 storey public library building has been designed to create a modern, inviting, and inclusive community facility. A library as a space for people has been designed with places for people to meet, and to learn, and as a community resource.

Advertisement
The ground floor consists of an open plan main library incorporating two double height entrances, library reception area, sensory corner, a new coffee kiosk, an exhibition area and a flexible IT suite. The ground floor also includes a separate area for a commercial unit as an addition to the local high street offering.

The first-floor accommodates a large, double height Exhibition / Meeting / Conference Space, a private meeting room, two balcony reading areas, and a dedicated "Makerspace Workshop."

Externally, the design incorporates stonework, glass curtain walling and flashes of colourful sharp and industrial looking corten panels which architects say provides "a balance of modern aesthetic and civic presence with the link to the areas past and historical roots."

The design incorporates large entrances and landscaping as the plans addd that: "A key feature of the proposal is to make the building more open and inviting, something the current library is very much lacking."

The public surface car park that offers free parking for 96 cars is set to remain.

Rothbiz reported last month that Rotherham Council has been carrying out a pre-tender exercise to engage with the construction industry to establish the level of interest in the redevelopment projects, which are due to be completed in 2026.

Images: RMBC

Read more...

News: £36m - final price for Rotherham Markets redevelopment confirmed

Rotherham Council will pay £36m for the redevelopment of Rotherham Markets and an adjacent new library, which forms a key part of the wider town centre masterplan.

Henry Boot has announced that its construction business has been appointed to deliver the project.

Rothbiz revealed back in 2022 that the firm, which has its headquarters in Sheffield and consrtuction offices in Dronfield, was being lined up for the project but that rising prices had created delays.

Having secured government money (£8.9m) from the Future High Streets Fund in 2020 for the project, a funding gap of £9.8m was identified in 2022, largely due to the impact of inflation on the project delivery costs.

In December, Rotherham Council's cabinet committed to pay for the redevelopment with the final price signed off in March.



With £4m already spent on the project, Henry Boot began a £2.1m enabling works contract at the end of 2023.

The project comprises a major refurbishment and redevelopment of the existing indoor and outdoor Rotherham Markets. This will include creating a vibrant new food hall and dining area on the first level above the existing ground floor retail, in addition to new workspace for charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups on the second floor.

Advertisement
While the refurbished adjoining outdoor market will continue to be used predominantly as a market for local traders, it will also be redeveloped for use as a multi-functional space to host exhibitions and community events. A new library will also be built to offer a café, meeting rooms and flexible gallery space.

As part of Henry Boot Construction’s objective to make a positive impact in the region, the business has committed to deliver significant social value, employing local subcontractors, creating jobs and delivering training initiatives during construction.

The contract was procured and awarded to Henry Boot Construction through the Crown Commercial Services’ (CCS) Construction Works and Associated Services framework.

Tim Roberts, CEO of Henry Boot, said: “The Rotherham Markets is an important and significant local redevelopment and the fact that we have won this project is testament to the strength of our construction business and its track record of high-quality delivery, having led on major urban regeneration projects in Barnsley and Sheffield over recent years. In what is a challenging market for the sector, this latest contract means that we have now secured over 60% of our order book for 2024 and continue to work hard to grow our pipeline in our target markets.”

Andrew Bramidge, Interim Strategic Director for Regeneration & Environment at Rotherham Council, added: “We’re delighted to secure Henry Boot Construction as our partner in delivering this latest regeneration project in our historic town centre. Their building expertise will help breathe life into our detailed plans for this key location and produce an impressive new venue for present and future generations to enjoy."

Henry Boot is undertaking current regeneration work at the Heart of the City scheme in Sheffield city centre. It also worked on the new markets and library and the wider Glass Works scheme in Barnsley town centre.

Henry Boot website

Images: RMBC

Read more...

News: New images released for Rotherham regeneration schemes

New details have been released regarding the regeneration of two town centres in the Rotherham borough.

In last year's Budget, the government announced that Rotherham will receive £20m for regeneration for Wath and Dinnington. It came after earlier bids for funding for the schemes were turned down twice.

The £11m scheme at Dinnington aims to address blight in the town centre and boost the local economy. The funding will facilitate clearance of the burnt out and derelict buildings on the hight street and pave the way for a new attractive town square, with purpose built commercial units to diversify the local offer.

£11,049,547 has been allocated to deliver significant improvements to Dinnington High Street and market.

The project has been developed in more detail since the autumn 2023 consultation, and plans will be submitted for determination in the coming months (sketch, top). A face-to-face engagement event is being held outside the Indoor Market building on Laughton Road on Friday March 22 at 9am to 12 midday.

Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott: “These planned changes are great news for Dinnington and we want as many people as possible to come along and see where the improvements will be made.”

Rothbiz reported last month that allthough negotiations with some of the landowners were moving forward, other negotiations had stalled with some landowners unable to reach agreement based on the independent valuations.

Physical works are expected to commence autumn 2024 with an aim for the project to be completed by spring 2026.

Advertisement
In Wath the £8.9m scheme will include the demolition of the existing library, to make way for the creation of a brand-new library, providing a modern and inclusive community facility.

The public space around the building will be improved and will include new play equipment. Investment in the surrounding public realm aims to draw people into the town centre and provide more things to do. The redevelopment will also include commercial space to support a vibrant mix of businesses in the town centre.

The redevelopment will be designed to improve green spaces between Biscay Way and the High Street and encourage visitors into the town centre.

Following feedback from the consultation in autumn 2023, changes have been made to the proposals (cgi, above). Face-to-face engagement events are being held at Wath Library on Thursday 21 March at 12:30pm to 2:30pm and 5:15pm to 6:45pm.

The scheme is due to be completed in spring 2026.

Cllr Lelliott added: “Wath’s future is looking bright and we want to share our planned improvements with as many people as possible so they can see what’s changing for the better.”

Images: RMBC

Read more...

News: Boot's on the ground as enabling works start at Rotherham Markets redevelopment

Enabling works to prepare Rotherham Markets for future redevelopment are now underway as part of a key milestone in the borough’s town centre masterplan.

A previous estimate of £31.7m puts it second only to the £47m Forge Island development in terms of town centre investment.

Appointed on a two stage proccess last year, Henry Boot is finalising designs for the redevelopment and to confirm development costs. Having been delayed due to rising costs, Rotherham Council has recently approved a way forward so that the lead contractors can get on site.

Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott joined Ward Councillors and partners Henry Boot Construction to break ground on the site, which will also include the addition of a new library.

Once works are complete, visitors will benefit from a refurbished indoor and covered market, extensive public realm, a modern and accessible central library and improved links to the town centre and college.

Cllr Denise Lelliott said: "The redevelopment is a testament to our dedication to preserving the heritage of our town while embracing a dynamic future. This initiative will not only breathe new life into our community, but also provide economic opportunities for our local businesses."

“The reinvention of the markets is not just a facelift, but a holistic reimagining that aims to boost the local economy, celebrate our diverse community, and provide an accessible, enjoyable space for all.”

Advertisement
The reimagined space will promote both seasoned and emerging local businesses, providing varied offerings to shoppers and fostering a prosperous trading environment build upon the existing mix of shops and services with the addition of a new food hub and dining area.

Embedded within the redevelopment is the addition of a cutting-edge library. Offering more than just books, the library will become a new cultural, leisure and learning destination and will include a children’s area, café, a dedicated IT space and a business development facility.

Craig Finn, Director at Henry Boot Construction said: “Commencement of the enabling works are exciting first steps in this transformative project for Rotherham. Creating new and vibrant urban destinations is part of the Henry Boot DNA and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Rotherham Council to bring the vision from the drawing-board to reality.”

Main building works expected to start in early 2024 with support offered to stall holders so that they can remain open and continue to trade during the works.

Rotherham Council received funding from the government's Future High Street Fund to pay for part of the improvements at the market with additional funding secured from the council and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

The project timetable for delivery is due to take approximately three years. Construction was originally scheduled to finish in December 2025.

Images: RMBC

Read more...

News: Final price for Rotherham markets revamp not yet known

Rotherham Council says that it is committed to delivering a delayed multimillion pound revamp of Rotherham Markets, despite a cost for the project that is still to be finalised.

A previous estimate of £31.7m puts it second only to Forge Island in terms of town centre investment. Construction is underway on the £47m new landmark destination which will feature a mix of independent eateries alongside boutique cinema operator, The Arc and national hotel chain, Travelodge.

This week Rotherham Council's cabinet approved a way forward so that work can get underway at the markets by its lead contractors, Henry Boot.

Enabling works are due to get underway next month to allow "project momentum to be maintained while final designs and costs are refined."

Appointed on a two stage proccess last year, Henry Boot is finalising designs for the redevelopment and to confirm development costs.

A cabinet report states: "Technical designs were completed in June 2023 and a tender exercise is now underway, being led by Henry Boot Construction accessing their extensive supply base, with support from the Council. This process is programmed to be completed in September 2023, allowing for the preparation and consideration of a final construction cost to deliver the Markets Redevelopment.

"The final elements of the redevelopment plans are currently being prepared, with a range of packages already out to market to allow for pricing and feedback from specialist subcontractors.

"The delivery programme for the redevelopment has been developed to ensure the construction works are sequenced in the most efficient and effective way, requiring a mobilisation on site in September 2023. In order to establish and agree the most competitive contract sum with the Main Contractor, pricing from subcontractors for various works packages is ongoing. This exercise needs to be as accurate as possible to avoid variations to the overall cost and length of programme, to ensure the best value for money is delivered.

"To facilitate this, it is proposed that an enabling works contract is prepared and agreed ahead of the main contract works, that allows project momentum to be maintained while final designs and costs are refined. The value of the enabling works contract will be taken off the final Contract Sum. This approach follows the same format as that implemented for the Forge Island development in the town centre."

Advertisement
Rothbiz reported last year that work on the markets and library development had been delayed as a funding gap of £9.8m was identified, largely due to the impact of inflation on the project delivery costs. The council gave the project a cost of £22m and Rothbiz revealed that, as the authority sought further funding via the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), the project's total cost was given as £31.7m in March. However, Rotherham Council's own financial forecasts from July has the total cost at £30,280,745.

The final cost plan will be presented to cabinet (scheduled for November 2023) prior to full commencement of the main scheme.

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, said: "It is worth noting how big a scheme [the markets] is for the town centre. We've talked a lot about Forge Island, and rightly so, but in terms of a cost of a scheme, this is the next biggest investment in the town centre at the moment - in to tens of millions of pounds.It's money that we want to spend and are glad to see committed to the town centre.

"If we weren't in a position to make these investments then actually the future of the markets is pretty bleak. That building will not last forever. It's, what, 50 years old now? Something in that kind of order, so you can't continue to rely on buildings that have been there for that length of time.

"So, one, we want to keep it going and make sure that there is a thriving market in Rotherham and, two, we want it to be better, and improve it, and improve the experience for people coming into the town centre. And three, it allows us to relocate the library back to somewhere more like where it was always inteded to be in the first place."

Planning permission has been secured and the proposed works to the indoor markets include a new layout and timber effect ceiling whilst the outdoor market's canopy roof is set to be replaced. A new dining area with commercial units is a new addition, along with much improved public realm. A new library will include a café, meeting rooms, flexible gallery space, and a maker’s space.

The project timetable for delivery is due to take approximately three years. Construction was due to finish in December 2025.

Cllr. Read added: "It's a big deal and we want to see those works on site as soon as possible. Doubtless there will be other bumps in the road, other things will challenge us as we go through, but if you start to put together this, the Forge Island works, the public realm works, the housing that's going into the town centre, you can start to see a new town centre emerging."

Images: RMBC /

Read more...

News: Another empty retail unit next on Rotherham Council's shopping list

Rotherham Council is set to acquire another empty retail unit in Rotherham town centre that has been vacated by a national retailer.

And the large vacant retail unit, that was formerly home to Boots, looks to have a new use, at least temporarily.

A year after Boots walked away from Effingham Street as part of a 2020 acceleration of it Transformation Plan, new planning documents show that a new occupier has a proposal to bring it back into use.

Henry Boot Construction is gearing up to begin work on the long-awaited, multimillion pound revamp of Rotherham markets and new library having bagged the tender from Rotherham Council for the £31.7m project.

The Sheffield-based firm, which worked on the new markets and library and the wider Glass Works scheme in Barnsley town centre, has now submitted its Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) for approval by Rotherham planners.

The document shows how the contractor intends to take on the former Boots building nearby to use as its main site office from September 2023.

With 25,985 sq ft of floorspace over three floors, Henry Boot Construction is set to convert the retail space into offices, canteen areas and kitchenettes. In the yard to the rear on Henry Street, temporary cabins and toilets will be in place as the fit out works take place.

Rotherham Council used delegated powers to enable it to complete the necessary transactions to acquire property at 42 – 46 Effingham Street.

Advertisement
The council report said: "Rotherham Council is embarking on its most significant regeneration opportunity following the securing of major public sector investment. The impact of this programme will bring benefits across the entire Borough and the community of Rotherham.

"The town centre is currently home to a number of vacant, abandoned and derelict buildings and acquisition and public sector control of privately owned properties is a route to deliver on the Town Centre Masterplan ambitions."

A price for the property has not been disclosed but Rothbiz believes that it is in the region of £770,000. It follows on from the council's cabinet approving the proposed use of the £1m Strategic Acquisitions Fund in April.

To aid regeneration, Rotherham Council has previously acquired the empty Wilko's unit on Corporation Street in 2022 and the former Primark unit on High Street in 2020.

Boots is listed as "under offer" with agents, Brassington Rowan who advertised it as an "outstanding retail / leisure / development opportunity." The building was previously sold in 2020, before it was due to go to auction with a guide price of £1.1m.

When Henry Boot move onto the site, the proposed works to the indoor markets include a new layout and timber effect ceiling whilst the outdoor market's canopy roof is set to be replaced. A new dining area with commercial units is a new addition, along with much improved public realm. A new library will include a café, meeting rooms, flexible gallery space, and a maker’s space.

The project timetable for delivery is due to take approximately three years. Construction was due to finish in December 2025.

As for the former Boots building, "long term redevelopment is anticipated as part of the continuing redevelopment of the town centre," the council says.

Images: Brassington Rowan

Read more...

News: £8.9m for Wath and what it'll be spent on

Further details of a near £9m regeneration project for a town centre in Rotherham are set to be agreed.

In March, the government announced that Rotherham will receive £20m for regeneration in The Budget for Wath and Dinnington. It comes after earlier bids for funding for the schemes were turned down twice.

The initial Wath bid involved the existing library being demolished and replaced with "a mixed-use building with a greater offer to include; library and exhibition space, sensory provision, collaboration space, café and commercial units. The public realm around the building will also be improved including new ‘play on the way’ equipment."

The funding for the Wath part of the bid is set to be discussed by Rotherham Council's cabinet next week.

£19,990,111.00 is being awarded for the "Principal Areas of Growth" bid and cabinet is being asked to allocate £8,940,564 to the Wath project.

Advertisement
The cabinet report states: "Both schemes focus on high quality place making to restore the cultural heart of the town centres, increase footfall, boost the local economies and restore a sense of pride amongst communities."

The proposed scheme for Wath will include:
- the demolition of the existing library
- the creation of a brand-new library to create a modern, inviting, and inclusive community facility, including some commercial space
- design to open up connectivity between Biscay Way and the High Street and encourage visitors into the Town Centre; and
- public realm improvements.

The report adds that the next steps are for the council to develop the Wath proposals in greater detail, including design, survey and cost assessments. Development of proposals is due to take place over the next 6-12 months in partnership with Library Services.

AHR Architects are already working on the project.

A further report detailing how the project will be implemented will be presented to Cabinet in February 2024 providing the outcome of this design phase and seeking approval for the next stages, including the project outputs, costs, timescales and delivery methodology.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is expected to be signed between the Council and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities before the funding is added to the authority's capital programme.

A further report will be brought for the Dinnington part of the bid which is likely to address burnt out buildings alongside investment in the outdoor market and the creation of a new commercial square.

Images: Google Maps

Read more...

News: Funding found for Rotherham markets redevelopment

A funding gap is being filled for the long-awaited, multimillion pound revamp of Rotherham markets.

Rothbiz reported last year on how plans for the Rotherham markets and central library scheme were approved but the development had been delayed as the authority carried out a review of funding options.

The delayed scheme was been given a revised total cost of £31.7m, up from previous estimates of £22m, largely due to the impact of inflation on the project delivery costs.

Rotherham Council secured funding from the Government’s Future High Street Fund to part finance the improvements but forecast a funding gap of £9.8m following an update of the cost plan.

£5m was identified from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority's (SYMCA's) "Gainshare" funding pot. The council is also proposing to move an allocation of libraries relocation budget of £2.9m that was earmarked for the central library relocation, and a redirected operational building budget of £1.8m, utilising the elements of the budget earmarked for central library and markets capital maintenance.

This week the SYMCA board met to discuss a £3.4m grant for the project which is progressing to the contract award stage.

The combined authority's Housing and Infrastructure Board has already approved the use of £3m - a reassignment of funding previously earmarked for acquisition of Rotherham bus interchange.

Advertisement
The latest approval shows that the money is initially to be funded from Rotherham’s allocation of the Gainshare delivery-ready capital resource but there may be an opportunity to switch this scheme into other funding into the future.

Board papers explain: "The project will deliver enhancements to the Rotherham markets providing a modern and efficient facility. Developments will include elements of flexible space, suitable for easy adaptation to host temporary and changing uses, whilst also reflecting the primary purpose of the facility in providing a place for small business owners to trade and engage with customers.

"The proposed development will safeguard the sustainability of the markets, ensuring they remain as the beating heart of the town centre of Rotherham, acting as a key hub for the local community. Providing space to shop, meet and relax, for both local residents and visitors.

The project is expected to deilver 70 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs safeguarded, ten FTE jobs created, 30 temporary full-time jobs supported during implementation and reduced crime rates and anti-social behaviour in the town centre by 5%.

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said: "“When I was elected last May, I promised to renew South Yorkshire, and make our region healthier, more prosperous and more sustainable.

“We want our communities to be able to thrive and these projects and schemes will make a real, tangible difference to our future."

Henry Boot has recently been appointed as contractor for the project by Rotherham Council.

The project also include plans for a £9m library which would also include a small café, meeting and conference space, flexible gallery space, business library, free Wi-Fi and free access to computers, and maker space facilities for use by schools and the public.

The project timetable for delivery is due to take approximately three years. Construction is due to finish in December 2025.

Images: RMBC

Read more...