News: £83m Rotherham regeneration projects can be pushed back to 2028

Multimillion pound regeneration projects in Rotherham will have more time to be completed after the Government granted more flexibilities over how the money can be spent.

Partners in the borough will also find it easier to cancel projects, move funding to different, or even new, projects, and change governance arrangements.

Rothbiz reported in 2023 that the previous government had entered Rotherham into the Simplification Pathfinder Pilot, a simplified approach to funding delivery, after the National Audit Office (NAO) warned of delays around spending Levelling Up funding pots.

Now the new government has consolidated a number of funding schemes in a bid to accelerate project delivery and improve value for money.

In 2021, Rotherham secured £31.6m from the Town Deal to revamp areas of Rotherham town centre as well as Templeborough, Eastwood and the site of the proposed mainline station at Parkgate. In the same year, £12.6m was secured from the Future High Streets Fund.

From the Levelling Up Fund, Rotherham was successful in securing £19.5m for the town centre and £19.9m for a number of connected projects around the leisure industry. £20m was then secured in 2023 for a new mixed-use development in Wath town centre, as well as delivering significant improvements to Dinnington High Street and market.

The pots have now been combined into the "Local Regeneration Fund" with single, annual allocations based on streamlined monitoring and reduced reporting frequency.

One of the main flexibilities is that all funding is now due to be spent by the end of March 2028.

The Future High Streets Fund was initially due to be spent by March 2024, with other funds then due to be spent by March 2026. In Rotherham this includes projects that have suffered delays due to rising costs, difficulties securing contractors and legal issues.

The revamp of Rotherham Market, which is using money from the Future High Street Fund, was originally scheduled to finish in December 2025 but this was pushed back to 2027 with total costs now at £40.89m. At Riverside Gardens, another Future High Street Fund project, a contractor has recently started work. Changes have also been made to projects at Rother Valley and Thrybergh Country parks but construction work is underway.

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With the council unable to acquire the properties required to deliver the Dinnington scheme, a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) was issued earlier this year which meant that the spending on the project was extended from 2026 to 2028.

Many schemes have completed in the borough backed by the funds. This includes Skills Street at Gulliver's Valley, work to transform heritage buildings at Maltby Grammar School, and the acquisition and demolition of burnt out buidings in the town centre.

Another flexibility is that the government no longer requires local authorities to seek approval for any changes. As long as it still meets conditions around value for money and contributes to one or more Government Missions, changes could include amendments to the scope of existing projects, the cancellation of existing projects and the creation of new projects.

An update from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) said: "After listening to feedback from local government, on the need for less bureaucratic micromanagement and more local control, we have now announced the consolidation of MHCLG’s Levelling Up Fund, Town Deals and Simplification Pathfinders Pilot Fund together into a single funding pot. This reform will increase flexibility to adapt schemes to local needs and focus on delivery.

"We are giving local authorities greater ability to make decisions locally about moving funding between projects in their funding portfolio. Local authorities should consider how they can use this increased flexibility to invest more effectively, whether that is pooling funding in the same area, redeploying funding to different priorities or making changes to existing projects to expedite delivery and maximise their impact.  

"It is our expectation that projects already underway will be completed, for the benefit of local residents. In the small number of cases where projects are no longer viable, we expect that councils will use the funding available to invest in the area that originally stood to benefit, so local residents can feel the improvements to their everyday lives that they have been promised. We strongly encourage local authorities to consult with key stakeholders, including MPs in their local areas on any proposed changes and in particular changes to the location or projects and/or intended beneficiaries."

Rothbiz has previously reported on changes made in Rotherham to funded schemes. Aspects have been removed from projects, such as a proposed new bridge over the River Don to the football stadium and the live music venue project has looked at a number of heritage properties in the town centre. A new project to introduce "Health on the High Street" in a bid to improve access to health services and increase footfall in the town centre was added to the mix earlier this year.

Not included in the funds is the Plan for Neighbourhoods that will guide a £20m investment into the town over the next ten years.

Images: RMBC / AHR / Maltby Learning Trust

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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News: Objections withdrawn to Rotherham CPO

A legal inquiry into a compulsory purchase order (CPO) required to progress a Rotherham regeneration project was over before it began with all landowners previously against the council's order withdrawing their objections.

Backed by £11m in Government funding, the 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 high street and pave the way for a new attractive town square, with purpose built commercial units to diversify the local offer.

With the council unable to acquire the properties required to deliver the scheme, a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) was issued earlier this year which revealed that the authority was talking to the Government about extending the spending on the project from 2026 to 2028.

The order was published by Rotherham Council in January 2025 with the inquiry due to hear from the authority and legal firms representing landowners this week.

The Council received five objections to the order.

Strangely, one objection was from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), which was withdrawn in April. Initial legal papers showed that those against the order included the Nixon family (regarding the outdoor market), Roy Mugglestone, Yvonne Mugglestone and William Carrol (regarding the indoor market) and Cobani Property Limited (regarding 50 Laughton Road).

As the inquiry was due to begin (July 1), the Nixon family / Paylet Ltd was the only party remaining but the local MP, Jake Richards, who attended the inquiry as an interested party, has now confirmed that he was "really happy to say that all objectors have withdrawn."

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£11m in funding for the project was allocated by the Government in March 2023 and the funding agreement was received in June 2023 when Rotherham Council's cabinet approved the start of the scheme. A further £1m in council funding was allocated to the project in July 2024.

Documents submitted to the inquiry show that those with leasehold and freehold interests in the Laughton Road and market areas were contacted back in 2022 but since April 2023, market value offers from the council to purchase remaining interests were not agreed to. Negotiations continued right up until the inquiry and offers were made "based on the compensation that the vendor would be entitled to if their property were acquired pursuant to a confirmed compulsory purchase order."

A CPO is considered a last resort. The Government grants powers to enable acquiring authorities to compulsorily purchase land to carry out a function which Parliament has decided is in the public interest. Tribunals are often used to judge the levels of compensation for compulsary purchased land.

Legal papers show that landowners and operators of the outdoor market were seeking a sale and leaseback of the land with a licence to continue to operate the market.

The Council’s scheme has been designed to include an outdoor market presence in an improved location and environment, one which is designed to limit the prevalence of anti-social behaviour and provide dedicated welfare and storage facilities.

The council were unable to offer a condition that Paylet would operate the new market but the council state that it "has sought to keep an outdoor market presence in the area and to that end has offered terms to Ms Nixon to retain and even expand their provision in the town."

The council's representative at property consultancy, Gateley Hamer, stated that: "The gap between the sum that Paylet wanted, and the sum that I have assessed on compensation code terms was significant."

Objections from the Nixon family, since withdrawn, stated that: "Offers made were inadequate and did not reflect the true value of the property or the operational disruption the acquisition would cause" and that the council did not genuinely exhaust all reasonable efforts to acquire the property.

But it now appears that a deal has been done and the project can now progress with the acquisition of all of the property required.

Images: RMBC / AHR

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News: Health hub set to fill Boots in Rotherham town centre

Rotherham Council is planning to introduce "Health on the High Street" in a bid to improve access to health services and increase footfall in the town centre.

The idea would also provide a long term use for a large retail unit that has been empty since 2022.

Creating a community hub for health provision as a way to reinvigorate town centres has been tried and tested across the country in areas such as Barnsley and Oldham.

In Rotherham, the council acquired the former Boots building in 2023 after the retailer closed as part of a 2020 acceleration of its Transformation Plan.

Close to the markets redevelopment, the proposal involves Abbey Pharmacy relocating from its current position in the first phase with the exploration of the development of a new health facility within the remainder of the building part of a second phase.

The idea was included in the initial £20m Long Term Plan for Towns (now The Plan for Neighbourhoods).

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A paper to Rotherham Council's cabinet explains: "Rotherham town centre is currently limited in its provision of health care services and the Council has been working in partnership with health service partners to consider how that provision may be increased. This project would see the first step in improving the provision of health services for the Town Centre and surrounding communities.

"In terms of phase 2, there have been no decisions on how the remainder of the building will be utilised, but it is envisaged that the building could be used by GPs, Health or Wellbeing operators. This is being reviewed and a feasibility study is being undertaken to deliver a connected and collaborative health provision in the Town Centre.

"The Council has been liaising with health providers over the last year. Providers recognise the benefit of a health provision in this location and are actively engaging with the feasibility process."

The government's Plan for Neighbourhoods exemplifies the approach taken in Barnsley. Evidence provided states that proximity to public transport has minimised missed appointments and has attracted an additional 55,000 visits to the town centre, supporting local businesses. It cites "improved health outcomes and economic growth, improving patient care and fostering a greater sense of community" amongst the positive outcomes of the facility.

With the £40m revamp of the markets underway, and as part of the lease, Rotherham Council would need to pay to relocate Abbey Pharmacy from Howard Street now, and potentially a second time, or work around them. Both options have been discounted due to the costs involved.

Following cabinet approval, the council will carry out feasability work and design development using money from the Pathfinder pot. In 2023, Rotherham Council was granted more flexibility over the £80m+ regeneration funding it has secured from the Government.

Potential costs for a Rotherham health hub have not been made public but council Health Select Commission papers show that the Phase One proposal to relocate the pharmacy is estimated to cost £1.3m with Phase Two estimated at £400,000 to work up plans.

Images: RMBC

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News: Rotherham markets revamp costs rise again, reach £40m

The cost of completing a long-awaited revamp of the markets in Rotherham town centre has risen again and is now at £40.89m, nearly double original estimates.

Rotherham Council is asking South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) for a further £6.5m on top of the £3.9m already approved.

The "significant presence of RAAC and of asbestos" in the building, which opened in 1971, is being blamed.

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. 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.

With £4m already spent on the project before a spade hit the ground, Henry Boot began a £2.1m enabling works contract at the end of 2023 and have since made progress on the construction which has a total contract price of £36m.

Second only to the £47m Forge Island development in terms of town centre investment, 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 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.

Now another funding gap has come to light.

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Papers to the SYMCA board state that costs have risen as further investigative works were carried out through the design development process and prior to the council entering into contract with Henry Boot.

The paper adds: "Further allowances for utility services needed to be made, as well as allowances to deal with the significant presence of RAAC and of asbestos within the structure of the building. This brings the revised total project costs to £40.9m. RMBC [Rotherham Council] have increased their contribution but the additional £6.5m requested from the MCA (bringing the total to £9.9m), is to be used to address the viability gap for the overall scheme."

Rotherham Council's plans involve keeping the indoor market building and refurbishing and reconfiguring the space alongside repairs to the roof.

RAAC is reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, a lightweight form of concrete used in schools, colleges and other building construction from the 1950s until the mid-1990s. It has been recognised that the in-service performance is poor with cracking, excessive displacements and durability all being raised as concerns.

Without the additional funding, which is set to come from SYMCA's gainshare pot, the market would be made safe and not redeveloped. This was discounted in favour of redevelopment with the report adding: "There is a clear justification of the preferred option as being the only one likely to meet the strategic aims of the project and the alternatives likely to cause the footfall to fall further leading to the eventual closure of the market hall."

Gainshare funding refers to the money committed to South Yorkshire through the Devolution Deal agreed by the MCA, South Yorkshire local authorities and government.

A breakdown of the secured funding shows that £8,909,226 is coming from the government's Future High Street Fund, £13,865,012 from Rotherham Council's Town Investment Fund and £8,219,311 from Rotherham Council’s Capital Programme.

When asked last year about the rising costs of the redevelopment, Cllr. Chris Read said it would be "bizarre" to scrap the scheme and take away the opportunity to follow the likes of Barnsley, Sheffield and Doncaster and create a bustling hub in the town centre.

SYMCA's board is due to discuss the plans later this month.

Images: RMBC / Tom Austen

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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.

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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

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News: Council consult on future of Rotherham markets

Rotherham town centre visitors are being asked to tell the council how they use the market currently and what they would like to see from its £36m redevelopment.

Rothbiz reported in September that Rotherham Council were taking the opportunity to consult while demolition and construction work is underway on the Drummond Street site.

The plans, which were approved in 2023, will bring together the library, markets, food hall, gallery, and event spaces onto one site.

The redevelopment has meant that the outdoor markets have been moved temporarily onto nearby streets with the indoor markets remaining open.

Due to logistics, the impact of bad weather and the affect on the indoor market traders, Rotherham Council has already said that it is their preference that the move of the outdoor market remains a temporary measure.

Since work began, traders in the indoor market have experienced a loss of footfall and trade as a result of closure of entrances and loss of connectivity with the outdoor covered market, which traders say has been exacerbated by the expansion of on street trading.

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With an ambitious concept for the new market and food hall, the strategy could include additional ad-hoc markets on street (food markets, continental markets, etc) that would complement and add to the core offer within the new market building.

Views are being sought on the indoor and outdoor markets and online consultation is available until November 30.

Alternatively, plans for the markets will be on display at the Rotherham Markets consultation stand at Rotherham Indoor Market main entrance on Howard Street on Tuesday November 19 between 10am and 2pm.

Back in 2022, a council study on the current needs and challenges facing the markets was undertaken after footfall remained below pre-pandemic levels and councillors were concerned about the recovery and financial sustainability of the markets. The study also looked at the redesigned space, targeting a younger demographic and retaining current traders through the redevelopment.

As the redevelopment work moves to demolishing the Guardian Centre, contractors, Henry Boot say that "work on the entire Rotherham Markets development is expected to complete in 2027."

The final cost for the development, which has risen largely due to the impact of inflation on the project delivery costs, has also been confirmed.

The value of the council contract with Henry Boot has been published recently as £36,251,213. This makes it second only to the £47m Forge Island development in terms of town centre investment.

Rotherham Markets website

Images: RMBC / Henry Boot

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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.

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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

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News: Rotherham Council's market move to remain temporary

With work well underway on the £36m redevelopment of Rotherham Markets, Rotherham Council is taking the opportunity to review how it will operate the markets when it reopens in late 2026.

With traders in the indoor market suffering, the move of the outdoor market to the main shopping streets is set to remain a temporary measure.

Henry Boot Construction, the lead contractor, was onsite when ground was broken in October 2023 and once works are complete, visitors will benefit from a refurbished indoor and outdoor covered market, extensive public realm, a new modern and accessible central library and improved links to the town centre and college.

The redevelopment has meant that outdoor markets have been moved temporarily onto nearby streets, a move which has proved popular with some. The indoor market remains open.

Cllr. Robert Taylor, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council was recently asked about the move.

Cllr. Taylor explained that trader numbers had been good but added that this could be "partially due to the financial support for traders during the redevelopment the Council has put in place in the form of reduced rents."

For street markets, logistical demands on staff and the impact of bad weather were also discussed. A number of on street markets have had to be cancelled due to high winds.

Since work began, traders in the indoor market have experienced a loss of footfall and trade as a result of closure of entrances and loss of connectivity with the outdoor covered market, which traders say has been exacerbated by the expansion of on street trading.

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Cllr. Taylor, added: "The completion of the market redevelopment presents an opportunity to offer a more stable and sustainable environment for both traders and customers.

"The scheme is being developed to accommodate the needs of our market community, providing improved infrastructure, better amenities and a more comfortable shopping experience that will help the market flourish and benefit the town centre as a whole. In the long-term I believe this will be welcomed by customers and traders. It therefore remains our preference that the move of the outdoor market remains a temporary measure although we are exploring the opportunity to add street markets where possible."

Rotherham Council is using £38,000 coming via the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) for a study which will include more trader, stakeholder and public engagement.

A council paper signing off the appointemnt of specialist consultants states: "While the capital investment in the fabric of the building is vital, it is essential the future operations of the market are fit for purpose and responsive to the current and future needs of a modern market facility.

"Since the works on site, and consultation with traders commenced, there have been changes to the way the market operates and the way people are using it. The information gathered has highlighted an opportunity to review the future market model, with the view to creating a new more diverse destination with a wider scope of activity and greater income generating opportunities."

With an ambitious concept for the new market and food hall, the strategy could include additional ad-hoc markets on street (food markets, continental markets, etc) that would complement and add to the core offer within the new market building.

Images: RMBC

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News: Which Rotherham town centre sites could be next for development?

Rotherham Council has identified a number of sites that could build on the foundations of a reinvented town centre, with more new multimillion pound developments and regeneration projects.

A number of new residential developments and a new theatre are possibilities.

The Rotherham town centre masterplan of 2017 confirmed the need for more housing and leisure uses as a way to develop economic vitality, bringing more life, activity and spending back into the town centre and moving away from the traditional retail market. It also highlighted the need for derelict and long-term vacant sites to be brought into public ownership.

The council has been successful in acquiring a number of sites and securing funds from various regional and national pots. Its most recent major housing development was the £30m+ "Trilogy Collection" - Westgate Riverside, Wellgate Place and Millfold Rise - that has seen 171 new homes built in partnership with Willmott Dixon.

The cinema and hotel have also recently opened as the anchor tenants at the Forge Island development, which the Council has fully-funded having acquired the site of a Tesco supermarket.

A recent council report confirms that the next phase of development is underway and involves Snail Yard, where a temporary pocket park is replacing a demolished former Primark on the High Street, but the long term aim has always been to use the site for development, potentially for residential.

Work is also underway at Westgate and Sheffield Road to address the river wall and carry out work to Water Lane that will enable future phases of housing where, as part of the £31.6m Town Deal programme, government funding is being used to continue the development of a Riverside Residential Quarter.

And on Corporation Street, burnt out buildings are being demolished to make way for a potential £6m residential led mixed-use development.

As for future phases, the council reports highlights a number of sites:

- Riverside Residential Quarter Phase 2
- Bailey House
- 2 Corporation Street, former Mecca Bingo
- 30 – 32 Corporation Street, former Lloyds and NatWest Banks
- The Statutes

With £3m coming from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), Rotherham Council has set up a £600,000 "Feasability Fund" to develop the "first stages of planning and feasibility for a programme of interventions which seeks to secure a future for these sites and meets the Council’s longstanding aims for regeneration of the town centre as a vibrant and successful place."

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The projects will be designed to build on the mixed use, commercial and residential offer in the town centre and will tie in to the Council's place-based investment strategy that was signed off in 2023.

For the town centre, the strategy includes things like a new £28m theatre and town centre health services to go alongside the £47m Forge Island lesiure scheme and the £36m revamp of the markets and new library.

The strategy also includes residential developments earmarked for The Statutes, where Rotherham Council acquired the site of the former Magistrates' Court, and on parcels of land acquired along Sheffield Road.

Lorna Vertigan, Head of Regeneration at Rotherham Council said: "The Council’s success in securing public funds and its own investment in the town has attracted private sector interest in investing in the town’s future. This is increasingly resulting in Rotherham being seen as a place to do business.

"A cluster approach is considered necessary to create a sufficient quantum of development potential to tackle viability, and to create a greater sense of place in the town centre.

"Now is the time to capitalise on this interest and the strong progress made to date, to bring forward ambitious plans that will create a new community in the town centre, bringing with it a sense of place and long-term positive legacy for the town centre.

"A programme of redevelopment is to be scoped, which will ultimately see the regeneration of town centre sites to create a mixed use, commercial and residential offer. Bringing in a new community which supports and builds on the momentum of Forge Island and other regeneration interventions to bring greater footfall and end users.

"Over the last two years the Council has taken a key step in realising its vision for growth by securing a number of stalled, underutilised and derelict sites in order to bring them into positive use. This funding allocation will accelerate the first stages of planning and feasibility for a programme of interventions which seeks to secure a future for these sites and meets the Council’s longstanding aims for regeneration of the town centre as a vibrant and successful place."

The next steps involve working up planning applications and a procurement business case to appoint a developer for the first phase of sites - Snail Yard, Riverside Residential Quarter and Corporation Street.

A previous tender exercise for the £6m scheme on Corporation Street received no interest, likely due to the smaller size of the scheme.

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News: Council and contractor mark market progress

After a number of delays due to rising costs, work is now well underway on the redevelopment of Rotherham Markets as contractors begin fabrication works in the outdoor market and underground car park.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Cllr Robert Taylor, joined Henry Boot Construction's Managing Director, Tony Shaw, and Head of Operations, Ian Gresser, on the site to have a look at how the £36m Rotherham Council project is progressing.

Currently, the former outdoor market space flooring has been stripped while downstairs, works have begun to strengthen the foundations of the outdoor market space.

Preparation work for demolition has also begun on the former Drummond Street shops – also known as the Guardian Centre buildings. These are set to be demolished in autumn 2024 to make way for a brand-new library building.

Following the demolition of the Drummond Street shops, the outdoor market canopy will be removed in stages. Covering over 37,000 sq ft of the market, removing the structure will be a very complex operation. A crane will be moved on site during the removal.

The Indoor Market remains open throughout the redevelopment, with a range of stalls and products available from local traders. Outdoor markets, such as the Tuesday Market, have been relocated to Effingham Street while the project is under way.

Henry Boot Construction, the contractor for the Rotherham Market redevelopment, was onsite when ground was broken in October 2023. Since then, they have been working with teams at Rotherham Council to progress the project.

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Henry Boot Construction’s Managing Director, Tony Shaw, said: “We are pleased to see the Rotherham Markets project progressing. We're looking forward to continuing to work closely with the Council and breathing new life into this area of the town centre.”

“Creating high-quality, vibrant urban spaces is part of our DNA. Having led on several of the region’s major regeneration over recent years, we have witnessed first-hand the transformative impact investments like this one can have – helping to boost community pride and identity, increase footfall and grow the local economy. We pride ourselves on leaving a positive legacy in the places where we work. To do this we have committed to deliver significant social value outputs by utilising a local supply chain wherever possible, local site-specific employment, and delivering multiple training and educational initiatives.”

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and Local Economy, Cllr Robert Taylor, said: “The Markets redevelopment is part of the Town Centre Masterplan, and to see people on site and spades in the ground shows that the plan is becoming a reality. The redevelopment of the markets is a complex project which will not only breathe new life into our community, but also provide economic opportunities for our local businesses. Working with Henry Boot, the markets redevelopment will provide an accessible, enjoyable space for all which celebrates our diverse community and heritage.

“Rotherham Market continues to remain open for the public with the fantastic range of outdoor markets now taking place in the town centre, so I encourage residents to continue to support our local traders until they are in their new facilities.”

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

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.

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 2023, Rotherham Council's cabinet committed funds for the redevelopment.

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News: Plans in for £11m Rotherham regeneration project

A planning application is on the table outlining a £11m regeneration project in Rotherham centred around Dinnington's market.

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.

At Dinnington, the project will replace old buildings and market stalls with six new commercial units and a large building, which could be used by the community and for commerce. These buildings will overlook a landscaped town square that will be home to new market stalls, that will be stored when not in use.

The project will also open up a direct route from the bus station and car parks and create a clearer and safer gateway to Laughton Road.

Drawn up by AHR Architects and Oobe Landscape Architects, the plans confirm: "The proposal is to demolish the burnt-out building, the indoor market, the outdoor market, the colliery band building, and half of the shopping parade (36 - 44 Laughton Road). These structures will be replaced with six new commercial units, a pop-up market, a new commercial / community building to be used for public rental, and a fully landscaped area of public realm to create a new market square and clear routes between Laughton Road, the bus station, and well-used car parks.

"The remaining half of the shopping parade will be refurbished to complement the rest of the regeneration project."

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The plans state that the private sector has failed to address the declining physical infrastructure around the market and that businesses and residents are increasingly frustrated with the situation.

The plans add: "The Council's sustainable approach to uplifting the area will be centred on repurposing underused brownfield land and derelict buildings alongside investment in public realm to increase footfall to sustainable levels and restore a sense of pride of place.

"The Council is optimistic that this major capital investment in high quality place making and investment in local amenities will increase confidence in the area and drive a more competitive market."

Seen as vital to rejuvenating Dinnington town centre, new commercial units, refurbished retail units, a pop-up market offer, a commercial / community building and improved public realm are included.

Interest in the new units is expected to be high with letting costs being set at a fair market rate by the council. Consideration is expected to be given to the types of retailers applying to let the new units to ensure there is a broad range of retail and that units are open during daytime hours.

Rothbiz reported recently 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.

Plans for Wath, which centre around replacing the town's library, were submitted earlier this month.

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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.

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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

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News: Market pressures lead to bigger bill for Rotherham Council

The cabinet at Rotherham Council is being asked to sign off on the rising costs of the markets redevelopment in Rotherham town centre, or risk millions in regeneration funding going back to the government.

The final price for the scheme, which includes the markets, a new library and public realm, has not yet been made public.

Rothbiz reported at the end of 2023 that the authority was committed to the second largest regeneration scheme in the town centre behind Forge Island, despite a rise in costs. It meant that contractors, Henry Boot, could start enabling works as the detailed design and costs were worked out.

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. Total costs are now over £30m.

Later this month, the council's cabinet is being asked to approve the final cost plan for the markets and library.

A council report states: "The redevelopment of the Rotherham Markets Complex was identified as a key project in the adopted 2017 Rotherham Town Centre Masterplan. The project aims to introduce new, complementary uses and activities to the complex, such as the Central Library (including gallery and makers space), a food hub as well as enhancing the indoor and outdoor (covered) market.

"Bringing together the library, markets, food hall and gallery/makers spaces on one site will provide the potential to increase footfall and thereby support and sustain the future of the library service, the market and small independent retailers across the town centre.

"A wide-ranging value engineering exercise has been undertaken to identify how the scope of the project can be delivered and quality maintained within the budget agreed by Cabinet in December 2023. Final contract prices have been made available by the contractor Henry Boot. These costs, together with fees and contingency exceed the budget agreed by Cabinet in December 2023.

"It is proposed that the additional budget requirement will be met from the Council’s capital contingency."

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The financial details are considered exempt due to commercial reasons and have not been made public.

Budget documents from last month relating to the council's capital programme has the total project budget for the markets redevelopment at £30.2m.

Options of a reduced scheme, or not to carry out any redevelopment, have been considered and discounted.

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, discussed scrapping the markets redevelopment at the recent full council meeting. He said: "£4m has already been spent on the markets - £4m of sunk costs gone - and we would be sending back to the government £9m of government funding. We have talked about the cost of austerity for all these years and I'm not sure we've got 13 million quid we can afford to just give away and send back to the government. And I'm not sure they would spend it more wisely than we would anyway.

"There are lots of really good examples of town centres with thriving markets - at Doncaster, at Barnsley now, at Sheffield down the Moor, accross northern towns - spaces where people can come together, businesses can start up, people have face-to-face relationships with other people and not just buying something on Amazon, as convenient as that might be.

"It [the market] creates a hub in the middle of a town and time and time again what people have said to me is that we want to get the good things about Rotherham back. We want to see a bustling town centre. We want to see some of those good things that used to be there in place. We have the opportunity to do that, and we've started that work, and it would simply be bizarre to take that away from them."

Having been granted "pathfinder status" by the government, Rotherham schemes backed by Town Deal, Future High Streets Fund and the Levelling Up Fund, which includes the markets, must now be completed by March 2026.

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News: Negotiations stall with landowners at Dinnington market revamp

An £11m regeneration scheme at Dinnington is at risk as Rotherham Council tries to buy up the property needed to make it happen in time.

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.

For Dinnington £11,049,547 has been allocated to deliver significant improvements to Dinnington High Street and market, with the project focusing on high quality place making to restore the cultural heart of the town centre, increase footfall, boost the local economy, and restore a sense of pride amongst the community.

Concept drawings were revealed last month as the development of detailed proposals continued, with negotiation and the acquisition of property taking place at the same time.

An update to the council shows that the authority is close to buying the land for the "Northern Access Road" to the project for £22,500.

Consultants Gateley Hamer have been appointed to negotiate purchase arrangements with the landowners and long-term leaseholders on the proposed regeneration site which has a prominent position on the high street, located between anchor stores, Tesco and Aldi, and directly adjacent to the bus station. It also borders the main car parks serving the town centre.

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The update reads: "Across the site, there are 9 plots of land owned by 7 different landowners. In order to bring forward the regeneration project by the March 2026 deadline, it is vital that agreements for purchase are made at pace for a fair value to both negotiating parties.

"In the case that agreement cannot be reached the Council will be required to explore the use of compulsory purchase powers to ensure the scheme can be delivered."

As seen in Rotherham town centre, the council's use of compulsory purchase (CPO) powers takes a long time.

The update states that purchase of all land included in the proposed site "must be completed before Autumn 2024," but warns that: "Although negotiations with some of the landowners are moving forward in a timely and positive manner, other negotiations have stalled with some landowners unable to reach agreement based on the independent valuations.

"If these negotiations continue to be protracted, the council will need to progress with compulsory purchases. This process can be lengthy and as such there is a risk that the scheme will not be delivered by the March 2026 deadline.

"Rotherham Council is moving forward with the process to tender a compulsory purchase lawyer to assist in bringing forward the site within the timeframe so that demolition and construction can begin in Autumn 2024."

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News: Council's cabinet commits capital for Rotherham markets revamp

Rotherham Council has committed to pay for the redevelopment of Rotherham markets - the second largest regeneration scheme in the town centre behind Forge Island.

But the final cost of the delayed scheme is not yet known. At the last count, costs had risen to over £30m.

The plans, which were approved in the summer, 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.

Not only will this provide a modern and accessible central library but will also ensure links are improved between the town centre, library, and college.

Appointed on a two stage proccess last year, Henry Boot and the council have been finalising designs for the redevelopment and confirming development costs. The Sheffield firm began enabling works on site in October.

Now Rotherham Council's cabinet has approved the scheme enabling the delivery of main works and contract award (with Henry Boot Construction Ltd), subject to budget parameters that have not been made public. The Council currently anticipates that the final costs for the main works will be confirmed in Spring 2024.

With officers delegated authority to complete the deal, the report states that "this option provides an upper funding limit, allowing for a swift response once the costs are confirmed and mitigates the risk of additional costs as a result of inflation and other market pressures."

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Rotherham's markets date back to the 13th Century and have been at their current site since 1971. Cllr Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, told the meeting that the revamp was "big and exciting" but warned that the alternative was that the markets would close given the current state of the buildings.

Cllr Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, said: “This next phase of the town centre masterplan is a testament to the Council’s dedication to investing in Rotherham’s future and to preserving the heritage of the town while embracing its dynamic future. The redevelopment will not only breathe new life into the community, but also provide economic opportunities for local businesses.

“Small independent retailers play a vital role within the wider town centre offer and whilst the works are on-going, we ask that residents continue to support local traders by visiting the markets.

"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."

Main work will begin in Spring 2024, once a developer has been appointed. The report adds that: "The works programme is currently estimated to last for 29 months with a targeted completion date in late 2026 to be confirmed."

The outdoor market has already been moved to Effingham Street in preparation and will remain there until the new premises are complete.

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News: Forge Island pre-let leaves Doncaster base

It hasn't panned out in Doncaster town centre for an independent South Yorkshire restaurant chain that is set to open on the Forge Island development in Rotherham town centre in 2024.

The Rustic Pizza Co. exchanged a deal at the start of this year with nationwide placemaker, Muse, to open a new outlet in the last remaining retail space at the £47m leisure development onForge Island.

But the firm's first permanent base in Doncaster's Wool Market is closing after the management company decided to increase rent and charges.

The Rustic Pizza Co was founded in 2017 by Doncaster-based husband and wife team Lee and Sian Ogley who originally ran a mobile street food business. It opened an outlet at the popular food court in Doncaster in 2019 and a new restaurant at Lakeside Bouvelard in the city over the summer.

A post on social media explains that Market Asset Management (MAM), Doncaster Council's operator for the market, was using a break clause in the lease in order to "re-align contracts to commercial levels" and charge a 20% turnover rent.

Rustic Pizza Co founders said that it had offered to pay a capped yearly rent of £40,000 but this was rejected before a notice to leave in January 2024 was served.

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Operators were also critical of the costs not being included in the rent, the increase in electrics costs and the restrictions enforced by the management company.

A post added "MAM mention the wool market is running at a loss but forget they removed 24 retail units with the potential to earn £400K a year in rent. This money needs to make up from somewhere.

"DMBC [City of Doncaster Council] funded the leisure part of the wool market, but this is also not generating the income expected so they need to find the income from other sources, The only source is the food and bar traders.

"We wish all the traders in there all the success but for now we focus on our new venture."

Construction is well underway in Rotherham where boutique cinema operator, The Arc, and national hotel chain, Travelodge, who will anchor Forge Island.

Joining the pizza place, the Thistle Group is signed up to bring a number of brands. These include Portuguese and Southern African eatery, Casa Peri Peri, created by Masterchef star, Bobby Geetha; Estabulo Rodizio / Sakku Samba – a dual-branded concept honouring the Gaucho style of cooking and a fusion of Japanese-Brazilian cuisine, and luxury coffee shop Caffé Noor. Local burger, shake and dessert restaurant, Cow & Cream has also taken space to complete the mix of eateries.

Rustic Pizza Co website

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News: Relocation for outdoor market as revamp works begin

Rotherham outdoor market will be temporarily relocated from the outdoor covered market to Effingham Street as works progress of the regeneration of Rotherham Markets.

Rothbiz rerported last month that enabling works had started on the £30m+ project after it was delayed due to rising costs. Rotherham Council has recently approved a way forward so that the lead contractors, Henry Boot, can get on site.

To allow this work to take place, the outdoor market will be temporarily relocated to Effingham Street to ensure that market traders can operate, and shoppers can continue to use it while redevelopment work is carried out. The new temporary location has been carefully chosen to provide vendors and patrons with a welcoming and accessible space while the redevelopment project is in progress.



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Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs & the Local Economy, Councillor Denise Lelliot, said: ”We are excited to begin the next phase in the redevelopment of the town centre markets. Local businesses, vendors, and community members have expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming changes. This temporary relocation is seen as a steppingstone towards an even more exciting and vibrant marketplace in the future.”

This relocation ensures that the existing outdoor market can continue to thrive while Rotherham evolves and grows. It also offers an exciting opportunity for both vendors and shoppers to experience a fresh and revitalised market atmosphere.

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

A key part of the borough’s town centre masterplan, a previous estimate of £31.7m for the markets redevelopment puts it second only to the £47m Forge Island development in terms of town centre investment.

The proposals have been designed to appeal to young generations and new customers, whilst not alienating the existing customer base.

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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.”

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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.

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