News: Public funding approved for South Yorkshire Airport City project

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard and Council Leaders have taken a historic decision to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport, approving a £160m (£159.52m) funding package.

The decision was made at a meeting of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board (SYMCA). All five board members voted unanimously in favour of the funding, including Rotherham Council leader, Chris Read, paving the way for the airport’s reopening.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport closed in November 2022, leaving South Yorkshire one of the largest UK city regions without an international aviation presence.

Since it closed, the Mayors of South Yorkshire and Doncaster, along with local authority partners and central government have worked at pace to explore the opportunity to return aviation to the region through a reopened airport with a viable future.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard, said: “We’re reopening DSA. Today, we’ve made a historic decision; to invest in the plans to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport, and to create a sustainable aviation and advanced manufacturing hub at Gateway East.

“I’ve always said I wanted to reopen DSA, but we needed to know exactly what the plan looked like. That’s why we’ve taken the time and done the work. No plan of this size or scale is ever easy, or without risks, but today we’ve taken a bold step forward, backed by data, expertise, and a shared vision for the type of South Yorkshire we want to build, because DSA is a unique opportunity.

“The plan we have backed today is about more than holiday flights or passenger numbers, it’s a long-term commitment to drive jobs, growth and opportunities in sustainable aviation, advanced manufacturing, freight, and even the defence sector, here in South Yorkshire.”

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The majority of the funding required, £121.62m, has been earmarked from Gainshare funding allocated to City of Doncaster Council’s Place Investment Plan. Gainshare funding refers to the money committed to South Yorkshire through the Devolution Deal agreed by the MCA, South Yorkshire local authorities and government.

Significant passenger operations are not likely to commence until summer 2028 but with potential for limited passenger activity and cargo from winter 2027.

On voting to approve the use of funding, Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, said: "Clearly this is a huge asset for the South Yorkshire economy, with enormous potential for driving forward jobs and opportunities for people in our region. And that benefit will be felt far beyond Doncaster. So am satisfied on that basis, and on the basis of the conversations that we've had over recent weeks and months that this is an appropriate use of public money and a wise thing for us to do to take forward the South Yorkshire economy."

On the politics of the decision, Read added: "We live in a time where there is minute by minute commentary on the decisions that we take and the way that we hold ourselves in public office. and Ros [Mayor of City of Doncaster Council Ros Jones] has shown exemplarary leadership through that period of time.

"Because none of this is easy. It was not in awy way inevitable that we would be here today making this decision. We can only do that because of the leadership that Ros and Doncaster Council have provided.

"Because of the way that the South Yorkshire Mayor has been able to look at all the feasible ways that this could proceed, and to weight those risks. And because of the way the officers at the MCA have then taken their responsibility so seriously to weigh those risks, to look at the pros and cons, to work with us as politicians and to look at credible, serious ways that we can facilitate economic growth in South Yorkshire."

Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber said: “The decision to re-open Doncaster airport today is a milestone moment for South Yorkshire and we welcome the decision reached today.

"Today marks the end of an extensive consultation period, which clearly laid out the strong business case for re-opening. I hope that with funding now secured and consultations completed, this marks the beginning of an exciting new phase which will ultimately see flights return to the skies in South Yorkshire.

"My hope is that the re-opening of Doncaster airport will act as a catalyst towards boosting growth across the region, helping to connect the truly unique and innovative work being delivered throughout South Yorkshire, as well as helping our business community to explore new opportunities within international markets. At the same time, the decision is likely to create many new jobs within the regional economy as well as helping to drive inward investment into South Yorkshire."

SYMCA website

Images: SYMCA

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News: How does Rotherham compare to other "left behind" UK towns and cities?

Not great.

A pack of government data regarding Rotherham has been published that will help guide the borough on how a £20m investment will be made over the next ten years.

The data, which covers key issues such as vacant property, crime rates and footfall, shows that there is still much to do, even to match the national averages.

£20m earmarked for Rotherham by the previous Government has been confirmed and given a wider remit focusing on neighbourhood renewal and improving social capital.

Consultation is seen as key to how the money is spent as the programme aims to empower local people to take ownership for driving the renewal of their neighbourhood. The £1.5 billion programme sets out to invest in 75 areas over the next decade – "a long-term strategy to fix the foundations of those places most left behind."

Rothbiz reported last month on the early findings of the public consultation in Rotherham.

Money will be spent inside the boundary chosen by Government, known as a "Built Up Area." It is based on data provided by the Office for National Statistics and is the area of a town characterised by urban features such as town centres, major infrastructure and larger populations.

Rotherham's built up area is focused on the town centre but extends out to neighbourhoods including Kimberworth Park and Wingfield to the North, Eastwood and East Dene in the East, Canklow and Broom in the South, and Templeborough and Blackburn in the West.

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Vacancy rates have always been an issue, especially in Rotheham which lies in close proximity to the popular Meadowhall and Parkgate shopping centres. The data pack has the commercial vacancy rate in the Rotherham built up area at June 2025 as 19.1%, nearly double the England average of 10.4%.

Out of the built up areas receiving government cash (where data is recorded), Rotherham's vacancy rate is the fifth highest behind Grimsby (22.6%), Dewsbury (21.1%), Hartlepool (19.7%) and Accrington (19.6%).

Data is from the Local Data Company (LDC) and Green Street so may not be comparable to Rotherham Council data which showed a 25% vacancy rate for September 2019 and 31% at the height of lockdown in September 2020.

Whilst new businesses have taken up units in Rotherham, and traders have relocated and expanded, regeneration schemes are also having an impact, not least with Rotherham Council acquiring properties to knock them down for redevelopment - the vacated Primark and Wilko buildings being the prime examples.

The data pack includes a stat for footfall that is based on anonymised and aggregated mobile network data by Virgin Media O2 to work out the average daily number of outbound journeys (not including journeys to home) within the built up areas over the period April 2022 - March 2023.

Essentially it estimates the people leaving the built up area during the course of the day. Rotherham has the 2nd highest figure of the 75 "left behind" areas indicating that those that live in the area often travel out of the area, be it for work or otherwise.

Allthough the area does include popular industrial estates such as Templeborough, Eastwood and Aldwarke, the data, albeit from 2011, does show the close link to Sheffield when it comes to employment.

20,737 workers living in the Rotherham built up area also worked there but 9,197 traveled to Sheffield from Rotherham. Comparatively 21,165 from Barnsley stayed in Barnsley for work and 2,091 worked in Sheffield. For Doncaster 27,959 stayed in the area for work with 1,506 working in Sheffield.

Both Parkgate Shopping and Meadowhall are outside the boundary of the built up area. According to 2019 customer survey data, 25% of Meadowhall's total visitors came from Rotherham.

Completed regeneration efforts have prompted green shoots in the town centre. Rothbiz reported in April that footfall across Rotherham town centre during 2024 was 10% higher than the previous year with developers, Muse, pointing to the impact of the opening of the Forge Island leisure scheme in attracting visitors.

Preceptions around crime and people saying that they don't feel safe is also a key issue.

The main indicator here is recorded crime rate per 1,000 population (2022). Again, Rotherham's built up area figure (131) is way above the England average of 76.7.

For crime rates, Rotherham is ranked 13th out of the 70 areas where data is available. Interestingly, given many people's perceptions, both Barnsley (146) and Doncaster (142.8) built up areas, that will also both receive £20m, have higher recorded crime rates per 1,000 population than Rotherham.

On a positive note, the stats in which Rotherham comes out well include gigabit broadband coverage and those around housing affordability and access to services.

Images: BRH / Muse

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News: Consultees raise same issues again in "left behind" Rotherham

Consultation is underway that will guide a £20m investment into the town over the next ten years, and the issue of feeling safe is coming to the fore again.

Consultees (people who live, work or visit the main urban areas around the town centre) assessed the area low in most themes and picked out safety, run-down streets and parking as key issues.

Rothbiz reported in March that £20m earmarked for Rotherham by the previous Government had been confirmed and given a wider remit focusing on neighbourhood renewal and improving social capital.

Now called Plan for Neighbourhoods, the £1.5 billion programme sets out to invest in 75 areas over the next decade – "a long-term strategy to fix the foundations of those places most left behind." It focuses on three core themes: Thriving Places, Stronger Communities, and Taking Back Control. These themes aim to revitalise local areas, address deprivation, and empower residents by focusing on local needs and priorities.

The findings echo the previous consultation carried out before the government revamped the strategy. Rotherham's long term plan for towns included the key themes of safety and security, high streets, heritage and regeneration, and transport and connectivity.

An update to councillors explains that Rotherham is one of 75 places to receive funding based on its level of need. Money will be spent inside the boundary chosen by Government, known as a "Built Up Area." It is based on data provided by the Office for National Statistics and is the area of a town characterised by urban features such as town centres, major infrastructure and larger populations.

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Consultation used the "Place Standard" tool to assess and improve the quality of places by helping to identify what's good about a place, what needs to be protected, changed, or improved.

Results so far show that the lowest score was for the Influence & Sense of Control theme which scored an average of 2.83 out of 7. A council paper said that "Residents don’t feel listened to. While surveys and councillors are valued, people want clearer evidence that feedback leads to change."

The next lowest theme was Feeling Safe at 2.91, the report adding: "Safety is one of the biggest concerns. Crime, antisocial behaviour, and intimidation make people feel unsafe, especially at night. CCTV and lighting are valued but seen as not enough."

Parking problems in neighbourhoods, litter and fly-tipping have also been flagged up.

In the Street & Spaces theme, the report highlights that "heritage and recent improvements valued, but many streets fee [sic] run-down and in need of better upkeep" and in the Identity & Belonging theme, consultees expressed "pride in heritage, diversity, and friendliness, but stigma and negative perceptions persist. Residents want more positive promotion of Rotherham."

Natural Spaces scored an avaerage of 4.18 out of 7 and was the seen as the strongest asset where parks and countryside was highly valued, "with Clifton Park and Thrybergh often mentioned."

A raft of interventions have been pre-approved by the government which can address the issues from the consultation.

The council report said: "The allocation of funding will be informed by the built-up-area data provided by Government and consultation feedback. Interventions will be prioritised where they have collective benefits and meet the needs of the Geography as a whole."

Undertaking meaningful engagement with the local community is seen a central pillar of the funding and "Neighbourhood Boards" will work up a Regeneration Plan – in partnership with the local authority - to deliver the strategic objectives of the programme.

Rotherham's Regeneration Plan will be submitted to government by November 2025, following which the first tranche of funding will be released in April 2026, broken down to approximately £2m per year with a 75% / 25% split between Capital and Revenue.

The £20m fund is set to be discussed at the council's next Improving Places Select Commission.

Images: South Yorkshire Police / RMBC

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News: £4.4m Rotherham riverside improvement works complete

A transformative £4.4m improvement scheme along the Rotherham riverside is now complete, opening up more land for housing developments in the town centre.

Delivered by Esh Construction on behalf of Rotherham Council, the project included the construction of a new access road and a riverside footpath linking Water Lane to the town centre, alongside extensive landscaping and infrastructure upgrades.

Works involved cut and fill operations, deep drainage, invasive weed removal, pavement construction, and the installation of gabion baskets to form a retaining wall feature. The project also included cosmetic repairs to the existing masonry river wall, carried out by rope access-trained personnel.

A key component of the scheme saw complex piling works used to futureproof the riverbank and support the Riverside walkway. Over 250 sheet piles – 127 pairs weighing up to six tonnes each and measuring between 14-18 metres in length – were installed over a five-week period.

These piles formed a new foundation to support the new riverside route behind the existing river wall, designed with a 100-year lifespan to ensure long-term stability and resilience while a capping beams and balustrade were also installed to complete the new riverside route.

Michael Sherrard, Construction Manager at Esh Construction, said: “This project has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase our expertise in complex civil engineering. We’re proud to have successfully completed this transformative scheme, which plays an important part in the wider regeneration of Rotherham town centre.

“The project is a great example of the collaborative partnership we’ve built with Rotherham Council, and we look forward to continuing that relationship through future projects that help shape the town’s future.”

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Cllr John Williams, Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, added: “We’re delighted to see this infrastructure project completed, opening up a new footpath along the river and wider site that pave the way for future development in Rotherham town centre.

“The scheme has also delivered a brand-new access road alongside significant landscaping and infrastructure improvements.

“As we continue to invest in the future of our town centre, and bring brownfield housing sites forward, works like these are an essential part of the redevelopment. It’s all part of the work we need to build a smarter environment, supporting a brighter future for this corner of town.”

As part of the £31.6m Town Deal programme, government funding is being used to continue the development of a Riverside Residential Quarter. The authority has continued to acquire land in the Sheffield Road area and are set to use a cluster approach "to create a sufficient quantum of development potential to tackle viability."

The project was procured through YORhub’s YORcivil2 framework. Through its Constructing Local strategy, which sees Esh maximise social and economic value for the local area, the social value team has delivered 66 apprentice weeks, 19 weeks of work experience, 392 hours of support into work through our Constructing Careers programme and 67% of operatives on the project were South Yorkshire residents.

Additionally, a community garden at Lighthouse Homes was redeveloped thanks to £8,200 of funding which was unlocked through the YOR4Good Fund community grant initiative. The garden’s makeover was part of plans to enhance the quality of life for the Lighthouse Homes residents, and saw Esh’s team, alongside agricultural students from RNN Group revamp the garden area and create a space for residents to grow fruit and vegetables for the facility.

The Rotherham Riverside scheme completion builds on Esh Construction’s delivery of public realm and active travel projects in the region, including Wellgate and Broom Road, Sheffield Road Cycleways, and Maltby Bus Corridor.

ESH Group website

Images: ESH

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News: Late night licence bid for new Rotherham venue

The restoration of a former theatre and cinema in Rotherham town centre has reached another milestone with operators hoping to host events until 4am.

Rothbiz reported earlier this year on the former cinema known as the Essoldo building on Ship Hill / High Street that was built in 1913 as the Empire Theatre. It has since operated as a cinema, snooker hall and nightclub.

A new community interest company (CIC) has been created centred around using the restored building as a multi-purpose community arts venue, pointing out that Rotherham has a lack of venues and no dedicated live music venue.

With Branch Developments Ltd and Mark McGrail of SME Environmental Services highlighting the progress of the works on social media, a 2025 opening is a real prospect.

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SME Environmental Holdings Limited has now applied for a premises licence for The Empire Theatre.

The application indicates that the two floors could be used for performances of live music, plays, dance or any entertainment of a similar description. The licence would also cover an indoor sporting event or an exhibition of a film.

As part of the licence, the provision of late night refreshment and the sale by retail of alcohol, is also included.

If approved, opening hours would be 12:00 to 04:30 with licenced activities, including the sale by retail of alcohol for consumption on the premises only, taking place until 4am.

It is thought that the new Empire will have a capacity of 800 - 400 on each floor.

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This cinema building was designed by architects Chadwick and Watson, opening in 1913 under the name of the Empire Theatre. By 1929 it had become part of the ABC cinema chain and subsequently became part of the Essoldo chain in 1954. It became the Classic Cinema in 1972 and subsequently a Cannon Cinema in 1988 before closing in 1990 to become a nightclub and snooker club.

The last part of the building in operation was The Amber Lounge, a contemporary cocktail / champagne bar. It went by many names as a nightclub including New York, New York, Beach, Blu Bambu, Synergy, Pop and Hub.

Restoration work has included uncovering the first cantilever beams (designed by a local architect) that created the impressive "Gods" - the building's uppermost balcony.

Having looked at the same building, Rotherham Council has switched its focus to the Alma Tavern, which the authority owns, as a potential live music venue, backed by £4.5m of government funding. Feasability issues have arisen but the Council says that it is committed to working with Chantry Brewery on the project.

Also in the town centre, work is underway on a £450,000 contract to secure an art deco former cinema on Corporation Street until a new use can be found. Rotherham Council acquired the former Regal Cinema and Mecca Bingo, a listed building, in 2022. A viable scheme for its re-use has yet to be confirmed.

Rotherham Empire on Facebook

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News: Plans passed for luxury apartments in Rotherham town centre

Plans to create 16 luxury apartments in Rotherham town centre have been approved after changes were made to the design.

Rothbiz reported at the start of 2025 on plans to knock down a prominent matchday pub and replace it with a new-build block of flats.

Rotherham Council's conservation specialist had raised concerns about the height of the building and its impact on the adjacent former Post Office building which dates from 1907.

Close to Forge Island and the New York Stadium, the area around Domine Lane, Main Street and Market Street has been successfully regenerated with high quality residential and mixed use developments. The latest plans are for the site of a bar at the back of the old Post Office, once used to store the vehicles for the workers.

At six storeys, the design for "Forge Apartments" is for a "relatively condense apartment scheme" that aims to complement the existing buildings and create 16 luxury apartments, including two duplex apartments and two penthouse apartments.

All of the apartments, bar one of the duplexes have their own private balconies with both penthouse apartments on the fifth floor having roof terrace areas as the fifth floor is set back from the edge of the building

Applicants, SME Environmental Services, saved the vacant building and created the 1915 Bar & Bistro in 2016. Its architects, Just Architecture, have ammended the plans following feedback "to better reflect the prominent nature of the site when viewed from Forge Island and also to step down and be set back from the adjacent unlisted but historic former Head Post Office building."

The building would be constructed in red brickwork similar to that in the adjacent building with the scheme judged to enhance the character and quality of the area.

The amended plans were approved without going before the planning board.

The council's planner concluded: "These changes have ensured that the massing has been pulled away from the building on the corner of Main Street and Market Street. The set back of penthouse has further reduced the visual impact on the adjacent buildings. Therefore, it is now considered that the height and scale and massing is acceptable in terms of impact on the unlisted former Head Post Office building and would not have a detrimental impact on the Conservation Area."

The site is surrounded by residential developments such as The Old Market, Keppel Wharf and Westgate Chambers and the pub has most recently operated as The Forge. Applicants set out how the site has not been viable as a drinking establishment for some time, including when a previous tenant failed to pay rent due to a lack of income.

Viability issues with the apartments scheme means that affordable housing has not been included in the plans, and this has been accepted by the authority.

Images: Google Maps / Just Architecture

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News: Guest & Chrimes hotel plans approved despite heritage concerns

A planning application has been approved by Rotherham Council for a long-awaited redevelopment of a former foundry on the edge of the town centre, despite concerns from Historic England over the demolition involved.

Only earlier this week, Rothbiz revealed that the government's statutory adviser on the historic environment had raised objections regarding the removal of two of the buildings at the fire-damaged former Guest & Chrimes foundry.

Now the application, and connected plans regarding listed building consent, have been approved, without the need to go before the authority's planning board.

Planners conclude that the benefits of the proposal, which they say "represents a significant opportunity to regenerate a long-vacant and historically important site within Rotherham town centre," outweighs the significant harm to the listed building.

The authority is also concerned that, without redevelopment, it may need to take back the property it leased to the football club and carry out costly urgent repairs itself.

A planning application was submitted in January for a new hotel development on the prominent site which is alongside Rotherham United's AESSEAL New York Stadium. Stewart Developments Ltd sought permission to convert and partly demolish the dilapidated existing Grade II listed building and link it to a new build property to create a new hotel.

The foundry use of the site ceased in 1990 and the building has been empty since 1999. A severe fire at the former brass and iron foundry in 2018 meant that the front portion was subsequently demolished.

Plans show that the 51,074 sq ft hotel would have 138 bedrooms and include a restaurant and bar. The largest northern range is set to be refurbished so that the hotel main entrance is located directly beneath the water tower. A new L-shaped building is set to replace the other two remaining wings as the retention of fire damaged blocks is seen as unviable.

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Historic England are not convinced that the applicant has provided the clear and convincing justification for the level of harm to this Grade II Listed Building and have requested that any decision to approve be referred to the Secretary of State.

A Rotherham Council planning report concludes: "Historic England’s comments are fully noted. However, the site in question is highly problematic from the perspective of potential redevelopment.

"The site falls within Flood Zone 2 and has been vacant for 26 years. The buildings have experienced substantial fire damage, and is currently in a very poor state of repair.

"Whilst urgent works have been considered by the Local Authority, these are unlikely to prevent the ongoing deterioration of the building and a scenario of serving a Repairs Notice is more likely. Due to the costs involved, this is likely to involve the Local Authority having to take back the lease of the building from the current lessee (the applicant), back to the Council, who are the freeholder, then fully repairing the building. This is a highly complex process and a huge financial burden for the Local Authority to take on. Any repairs to the building would ultimately require consideration of a future use of the building."

Applicants say that the proposed hotel development and the demolition of two wings "is considered the only viable opportunity available to deliver beneficial use."

As the site is designated for mixed use, it could accommodate some form of leisure or education use but the planning report shows that this is not viable due to the high costs of refurbishing the buildings and flood proofing the site. Office use is also not considered viable due the demand for office accommodation in Rotherham being low.

As a hotel, it is expected that a total of 60 jobs will be created on site (32 full-time and 28 part-time jobs).

The planner's report concludes: "The run-down state of the buildings creates a poor image for the town and the wider area. As such, the redevelopment of the site into a hotel with a high-quality design, along with the conversion of the most architecturally significant wing, would greatly enhance the immediate surroundings of the site as well as the image of the town from prominent transport nodes.

"The hotel use would provide an additional benefit to the borough helping to develop the town's visitor economy, within a sustainable location along with the increase in employment within the borough. As such, it is considered that the proposed hotel would provide substantial public benefits to the town centre in addition to preserving the most iconic elements of the listed building.

"While Historic England object to the proposals, the local planning authority is satisfied that the viability evidence provided by the applicant, site constraints, and public benefit of bringing this building back into use, provide clear and convincing justification for the proposed works."

The approval comes with a number of conditions. For example, following Historic England's concerns over justifying the demolition, the applicants will need to submit demonstrative proof that a hotel operator and appropriate developer has been secured before any demolition on the site takes place.

If the decision is referred to the Secretary of State, they could decide not to intervene or appoint an inspector to hold an inquiry or hearing. The inspector will then make a recommendation, and the Secretary of State will make the final decision.

Images: Stewart Developments / stephenson hamilton risley STUDIO

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News: Who will run the market as part of £12m Dinnington regeneration scheme?

Rotherham Council has been in discussion with the operators of Dinnington's current outdoor market regarding the future market operations as part of the £12m regeneration scheme in the town.

The authority has been critical of the way the operators, who also own the land, have carried out little investment and have let the site become "run-down" and "poorly maintained."

Rothbiz reported last month that all objections had been withdrawn just before a legal inquiry got underway into a compulsory purchase order (CPO) that would enable Rotherham Council to acquire the various land and property interests needed for the Government-funded project.

Legal papers show that Donna Nixon / Paylet Limited were seeking a sale and leaseback of the land with a licence to continue to operate the market. An offer was made to acquire the outdoor market land on terms that Rotherham Council's property consultants "consider to be better than compensation code provisions" and the objections were withdrawn.

In seperate negotiations, heads of terms were also prepared that would enable Paylet to operate the future market.

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

The council said last month that it had not heard anything back regarding the terms it had offered since January 2025.

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Representations for Rotherham Council justifying the CPO stated: "The outdoor market comprises basic low-height, steel pole framed, corrugated metal roofed market stalls on a concrete hardstanding. The layout and design of these stalls are regularly subject to anti-social behaviour, being situated on back land behind the shopping parade fronting Laughton Road.

"The area has been poorly maintained and the subject of numerous fires and is an escape route for those committing crimes in the neighbouring shops. The surfacing is in extremely poor condition and presents a danger to pedestrians."

The market trades infrequently on one day per week for 5.5 hours and lacks welfare facilities. The permanently affixed market stalls prevent the site being used for any other purpose.

Representations added: "The long-standing outdoor market has reduced its operation over a number of years, it is hidden behind shops fronting the high street and is of poor quality both in terms of assets and surfacing."

Positives on the current market operation pointed to its location close to the bus station and to the traders and well established businesses that engage with customers.

Lorna Vertigan, Head of Regeneration at Rotherham Council said: "Until the public sector was able to intervene, the multiple private sector owners have, for various reasons allowed the area to decline to the point that, in my opinion only a holistic place-making solution will now deliver the change required. This coupled with changes in shopping habits, car use and the general attractiveness of local shopping areas requires a public sector led regeneration solution capable of contributing to the promotion and improvement of the economic, social and environmental well-being of Dinnington.

"It is evident from the ongoing communication which dates back ... to 2018 that the Council has endeavoured to work alongside the operator to maintain and improve a market offer in Dinnington and to retain the same market operator in an improved setting."

As part of the next stage of the project, Rotherham Council is seeking to undertake the demolition of acquired units as soon as possible.

Images: RMBC / AHR

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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: Historic England objects to Rotherham hotel development

Historic England continues to raise objections with proposals to redevelop the remains of a former foundry on the edge of Rotherham town centre.

Applicants say that the only viable way forward would involve some demolition.

Last month Rothbiz revealed that the government's statutory adviser on the historic environment had asked for further information regarding the removal of two of the buildings at the fire-damaged former Guest & Chrimes foundry.

Historic England say that the proposed loss of two out of three wings of the building "would cause a very high level of harm to the significance of the listed building."

A planning application was submitted in January for a new hotel development on the prominent site which is alongside Rotherham United's AESSEAL New York Stadium. Stewart Developments Ltd is seeking permission to convert and partly demolish the dilapidated existing Grade II listed building and link it to a new build property to create a new hotel.

The foundry use of the site ceased in 1990 and the building has been empty since 1999. A severe fire at the former brass and iron foundry in 2018 meant that the front portion was subsequently demolished.

The building remains Grade II listed and Historic England says that its significance largely lies with the ability to read the rapid expansion of a highly successful 19th century metal and brassworks in Rotherham, adding: "In spite of the loss of the more architecturally elaborate office block, we are able to read this story of expansion through the functional architecture of the remaining buildings."

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Plans show that the 51,074 sq ft hotel would have 138 bedrooms and include a restaurant and bar. The largest northern range is set to be refurbished so that the hotel main entrance is located directly beneath the water tower. A new L-shaped building is set to replace the other two remaining wings as the retention of fire damaged blocks is seen as unviable.

A structural report concluded that the wings planned for demolition "are not beyond repair and could be sensitively restored, should resources allow."

Applicants however say that the proposed hotel development and the demolition of two wings "is considered the only viable opportunity available to deliver beneficial use."

Alexander Harrison, Inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas at Historic England, said: "It is important to understand fully whether or not retention, repair and conversion of these buildings could be viable. The viability assessments provided are based on estimates and not on accurate and robust condition surveys and costings for the reuse of the existing buildings. Therefore we cannot be certain from the information provided that retention is unviable, and that demolition has been proved necessary. The required clear and convincing justification is not considered to have been demonstrated by the additional information supplied by the applicant."

Consultants, White Land Strategies, looked at the options assessed for the redevelopment of the site in a bid to find a viable proposal that is deliverable, and where conservation is maximised / balanced. Included options ranged from having all three buildings retained, two buildings retained and one building retained.

Historic England wants to see these appraisals with the inspector adding that "the applicant has not demonstrated that a less harmful configuration of hotel use would be unviable."

On the benefits outweighing any harm, the inspector concludes: "It is not clear whether the applicant has been in discussion with any hotel operators and whether those operators have shown an interest in taking the site forward. Similarly it has not been demonstrated that thorough market research has been conducted to understand whether there is a demand and a viable business case for a mid-range hotel in Rotherham."

Images: Stewart Developments / stephenson hamilton risley STUDIO

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News: Investment to continue in Rotherham

Millions of pounds of investment has been made in Rotherham via the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), and there's more to come.

Nearly £190m of investment has been completed in South Yorkshire over the last two years supporting capital projects and Investment Zone activity supporting business expansion, new housebuilding, improvements to transport infrastructure and flood prevention.

WIth government money and powers diverted to South Yorkshire, SYMCA does not deliver all investments. The majority of projects are delivered by local authority partners, with some delivered directly by the private sector and other local and regional partners. Looking ahead, an Integrated Settlement is set to provide an opportunity for greater funding flexibility against the delivery of a set of outcomes agreed with Government.

SYMCA's Capital Investment Programme was recently dicussed at the authority's board.

For Rotherham, 16 schemes have been completed in the last two years with a total value of £78.1m.

Transport projects feature prominantly and include £40.1m towards the Parkway widening scheme and £13.2m for the new link road at Parkgate.

Completed regeneration projects in the borough include the second phase of Century Business Centre, which used £4.6m via SYMCA, and £2m being used in the town centre to progress projects such as Forge Island.

Brownfield housing projects in Rotherham have also secured millions of pounds to address viability.

Direct grants to support businesses expanding in Rotherham include the £1.5m that enabled SBD Apparel to move on to the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in the Investment Zone.

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Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, said: "Funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Capital Programme has enabled us to take forward key strategic projects in Rotherham, such as flood defence works in the town centre and across the borough, the Century 2 business centre, and Olive Lane development at Waverley, as well as future projects which will drive further growth across the borough.”

Projects currently in delivery and development supported by capital investment from SYMCA include Rotherham Gateway Station and the tram-train stop at Magna, more active travel schemes, flood alleviation schemes and the markets and library redevelopment.

Another Investment Zone project is expected to see £2m used to support the Advanced Blade Casting Facility (ABCF) in Rotherham - a cutting-edge supplier of high-value superalloy turbine blade castings for large civil jet engines.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “My job is growth, across all four corners of South Yorkshire.

“That means investing our money in plans and projects that unlock the potential of Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield. Working with our local councils, I’ve been able to fund nearly £190m of capital investment – money to build things, make things happen, and bring some iconic buildings and sites back to life.

"We’ve made real progress, but we’re not done yet. Our capital investments are laying the foundations for a wealthier, healthier, happier, and safer South Yorkshire. And as major developments come forward, they’ll unlock even more potential, bringing longterm benefits for generations to come.

"People often ask me: what’s devolution for? It’s about making decisions here, for here. It’s about restoring pride, prosperity and purpose to our communities. It’s about making sure people can stay near and go far, and ultimately it’s about making a positive difference to people’s lives."

Images: SYMCA

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News: Views sought on £20m Rotherham regeneration fund

Views and ideas are being invited on Rotherham's Plan for Neighbourhoods that will guide a £20m investment into the town over the next ten years.

Rothbiz reported in March that £20m earmarked for Rotherham by the previous Government had been confirmed and given a wider remit focusing on neighbourhood renewal and improving social capital.

Rotherham was selected in 2023 as one of 55 towns to be given £20m endowment-style funds to invest in local people’s priorities. The Long Term Plan for Towns was extended to 75 “left behind” areas and renamed the Plan for Neighbourhoods as part of efforts to end the "Whitehall knows best" approach by empowering local leaders to strengthen communities.

The Plan for Neighbourhoods focuses on three core themes: Thriving Places, Stronger Communities, and Taking Back Control. These themes aim to revitalise local areas, address deprivation, and empower residents by focusing on local needs and priorities.

Undertaking meaningful engagement with the local community is a central pillar of the funding and "Neighbourhood Boards" will work up a Regeneration Plan – in partnership with the local authority - to deliver the strategic objectives of the programme.

Rothbiz reported last year on priorities for Rotherham following public consultation.

Building on this work, Voluntary Action Rotherham (VAR) has now been appointed to lead on the new round of consultation.

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The fund targets Rotherham town centre and surrounding areas, from Canklow to Clifton and from Broom to Kimberworth Park.

People who live, work or visit these areas can take part in online consultation now with community workshops, pop-up stalls, focus groups, forums and a Youth Voice Session planned.

Local consultation events got underway this week.

Details of the online consultation and events can be found here.

The Place Standard Tool will help communities assess the quality of their local area and gather opinions on things like housing, transport, public spaces, social interaction and feeling safe.

The prospectus for the fund explained that communities had come up with their own grass-roots solutions when barriers to better living standards had been put up.

Angela Rayner MP, Deputy Prime Minister, said in the prospectus: "Local change is best driven by those with the biggest stake. The Burnley Together project has seen a community grocer, cookery school and book exchange open in the former Lancashire mill town. In Hendon, the ‘Back on the Map’ residents’ group has spent ten years buying and refurbishing 120 of Sunderland’s run-down homes and shops, alongside a package of community services to tackle poverty. In Yorkshire, the Live Well Wakefield group has helped 93% of clients improve health outcomes through early interventions and social prescribing.

"Together, this government will work in partnership with people on the ground and local authorities to deliver in every corner of the country."

Rotherham's Regeneration Plan for the Plan for Neighbourhoods will be submitted to government by November 2025, following which the first tranche of funding will be released in April 2026, broken down to approximately £2m per year with a 75% / 25% split between Capital and Revenue.

Rotherham Council remains the governing body and as such will have formal decision-making and overriding responsibility for the money but they explain in a report that a Neighbourhood Board, made up of local residents, community leaders, and organisations will be established to lead the creation of the Plan for Neighbourhoods.

A council report states: "The Neighbourhood Board will empower local residents by partnering with Voluntary Action Rotherham (VAR), to facilitate consultation with a diverse range of voices and perspectives that can play a practical role in helping to shape the three strategic objectives of the Plan for Neighbourhoods and deliver change.

"Public consultation and engagement is essential to enable residents and stakeholders to contribute to the development of any regeneration scheme."

Images: SMC Brownill Vickers

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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.

Images: Google Maps / RMBC

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News: Constructing Careers in Rotherham

A Rotherham resident, who was previously unemployed, is throwing himself in at the deep end after securing a contract with Esh Construction. Labourer Josh secured the role after completing Esh’s Constructing Careers programme in his hometown.

The three-week bespoke course provided out of work Rotherham residents with hands-on work experience on a £4.1m public realm project at Rotherham Riverside in the town centre and a range of entry level construction skills and employability sessions.

After successfully completing the programme and securing his CSCS card, Josh Connelly, 30, was landed a labourer position with Esh’s civil engineering division. Having worked in customer-facing roles through a plumbers’ merchants for eight years, the role with Esh marks a change in direction.

He said: “I had never worked in construction before in my life, but as I had been applying for roles anyway, it was worth exploring the Constructing Careers programme with Esh, knowing it could open a door to an opportunity at the end of the three weeks.

“I’ve always been willing to throw myself into any situation that presents itself, so I went for it, and it’s turned out really good.”

Since joining Esh on site at the end of April, Josh admits he initially felt out of his depth, but soon found his feet shadowing the site team. He added: “Everyone on site has been very helpful, showing me how things work on site and getting me up to speed on key tasks. I’ve been doing a bit of everything, from helping complete the gabion baskets along the new footpath, to changing buckets on diggers and learning the procedures for dealing with concrete.

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During the Constructing Careers programme, which was run in partnership with RNN Group, Hatton Traffic Management, Henry Boot Construction, Antz UK and Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, candidates took on two days of site-based work experienced, while receiving sessions in occupational studies, health and safety training and being put through their CSCS card exam.

Project Manager for Esh Construction, Joe Heptinstall, has been impressed by Josh’s adaptability since joining the Rotherham Riverside team. He said: “Throughout the programme, Josh was recognised for his enthusiasm and hard work in both the theoretical and practical areas covered.

“Following a successful interview, Josh has knitted into the Esh team perfectly. Without Constructing Careers, candidates like Josh wouldn’t have had the opportunity to explore a career in construction, nor Esh recognise his potential.”

Rotherham Riverside is part of a public realm improvement project which aims to further develop the riverside in Rotherham town centre. Once completed, the works will upgrade land just off Westgate, to link Water Lane to the town centre via a new footpath.

“I’m from Rotherham and I know first hand how badly this area has needed developing,” added Josh. “It’s been great to join Esh and to play a small role in helping to open the site up again. It has been needed for a long time. The new footpath will provide a nice walking route for the local community and will be brilliant for the town.”

ESH Group website

Images: ESH

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News: Council continues to collaborate with Chantry to help Save The Alma

Rotherham Council says that it is committed to working with the private sector to help keep a project going that would create a live music venue in Rotherham town centre and help save a historic building.

Rothbiz revealed last month that feasibility issues have arisen with converting the former Alma Tavern into a venue.

With £4.5m of the government's Town Deal funding set aside for a music venue project, the Westgate site is the third building looked at by the authority.

The building is not a listed building (unlike The Cutler's Arms next door, saved and reopened by Chantry Brewery) but is in severe disrepair following a fire and years of abandonment. Councillors were told that an updated cost plan for the project demonstrated "a cost significantly in excess of the funding available."

The issue was recently discussed as the council's cabinet agreed to approve the reallocation of funding from the music venue project to progress plans for a community hub for health provision in the former Boots building in the town centre. The funding would cover estimated costs of £1.7m.

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Simon Moss, Assistant Director, Planning, Regeneration and Transport at Rotherham Council, explained to councillors: "We think a music venue would be beneficial but it has been problematic. We've looked at a number of buildings since the funding came forward a few years ago and there are challenges with bringing back old buildings into use.

"It has been through a few iterations and has been challenging but we still believe it is a valuable thing to push for in the town centre.

"We are looking at The Alma, which is next to The Cutler's, and there is already a music operation there - relatively small, but successful. We are planning to build some housing around that site, so dealing with that issue is something that we think is worthwhile as well, trying to work with the current operator to protect the continuation of music at that venue.

"The proposal is to downsize some of the proposals at that site. When we've worked through the design process, we don't think it is affordable, so we are looking at still keeping some funding allocated to that project but more around remediating the site, protecting what's there, but actually looking at what we can do to bring forward a music venue through other delivery means."

It is expected that support from the private sector is required if the project is to be realised. The initial ideas involved an L-shaped new building on land behind, and to the side of The Alma, creating a venue with a capacity of 500 - 600 and the main entrance in the vacant pub,

Moss added: "There are challenges that the public sector faces in delivering end-to-end regeneration solutions - we need that confidence and consideration of risk with funds. And the private sector, of course, can sometimes play a different type of role in bringing things forward."

In 2023 Rotherham Council acquired all land and properties owned by Satnam Urban Regeneration Ltd in the Sheffield Road area which included the 200 space Westgate Car Park and the two pubs.

Lorna Vertigan, head of regeneration at RiDO, said: "It's a complex building [The Alma}. It's not in a good condition and what we are trying to bring is also quite a complex build in terms of its power supply and its M&E [mechanical and electrical] requirements etc. and we were just finding that costs at each stage of development were going up and up and up and it just felt like it had come to a point really where "the public sector can't do this on their own" they need private interventions and that is something that we are going to need more and more over time. The nature of the provision also leans it more towards the private sector.

"It is really important to point out that we are still really committed to it [a live music venue] and really do want to support something. They are our buildings so if nothing else, we have got a duty to do something in there. In the next phase, we will still have money allocated to it and we are looking at what remedial works we can bring forward to help the private sector and what a private sector "acquisition / disposal / I don't know yet." might look like.

"We are certainly not turning our back on it but I think we have to draw a line at some point."

The 1907 rebuilding of The Cutler's was part of a general rebuilding in Westgate to provide a broader highway into the town to relieve traffic congestion. The Alma was rebuilt in 1909 and is noteworthy for the use of architectural lettering and the reference to Bentleys Rotherham Ales on the facade.

Chantry Brewery was established in Parkgate in 2012 and reopened The Cutler's in 2014 following a restoration, inside and out. Live music has been a constant at the venue with a temporary outdoor marquee almost always at the rear.

Vertigan described Chantry as "a great asset to the town centre" and added: "We have worked really closely with Chantry Brewery over this last six months to a year or so and I think that one of the primary drivers is, I think, to make sure that they are sustainable in the long term.

"It is a successful and very popular venue so we are thinking of them more as the operator. The original plans that we looked at for The Alma surrounded the back and incorporated both properties. We are still talking to them about what they might like to do.

"I know it is a bit of a dream for them to have The Alma as well and we still want to really help support them."

Chantry Brewery website

Images: Google Maps / RMBC

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News: Historic England question Guest & Chrimes redevelopment plans

Historic England has raised issues with proposals to redevelop the remains of a former foundry on the edge of Rotherham town centre.

The government's statutory adviser on the historic environment has asked for further information regarding the removal of two of the buildings at the fire-damaged former Guest & Chrimes foundry.

Rothbiz reported in January on a planning application for a new hotel development on the prominent site which is alongside Rotherham United's AESSEAL New York Stadium. Stewart Developments Ltd is seeking permission to convert and partly demolish the dilapidated existing Grade II listed building and link it to a new build property to create a new hotel.

Further documents have now been submitted including a rebuttal to the points made by Historic Enlgand in relation to viability and an expert opinion on the structural report included in the application.

The foundry use of the site ceased in 1990 and the building has been empty since 1999. A severe fire at the former brass and iron foundry in 2018 meant that the front portion was subsequently demolished.

Plans show that the 51,074 sq ft hotel would have 138 bedrooms and include a restaurant and bar. The largest northern range is set to be refurbished so that the hotel main entrance is located directly beneath the water tower. A new L-shaped building is set to replace the other two remaining wings as the retention of fire damaged blocks is seen as unviable.

Applicants say that the proposed hotel development and the demolition of two wings "is considered the only viable opportunity available to deliver beneficial use."

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A report from consultants, White Land Strategies, sets out the options assessed for redevelopment of the site in a bid to find a viable proposal that is deliverable, and where conservation is maximised / balanced. Included options ranged from having all three buildings retained, two buildings retained and one building retained.

It is explained that the site being in flood zone 2 limits potential uses and that residential use was restricted due to the flood risk.

Office / business use was discounted due to relatively slow take up / demand and the only interest coming from businesses looking for smaller offices (under 2,000 sq ft) in the area. In addition, the site does not lend itself to a single occupier with larger footprint buildings which require car parking on site. Options for employment use all resulted in negative land values.

For the hotel use, the report explains that a Premier Inn type operator is envisaged - Premier Inn being a recognised higher quality, more mid range offer. If only a budget Travelodge type operator could be attracted to the site, this would mean that a "likely additional demolition of blocks would be necessary to introduce new build structures that would be cheaper to construct."

Various options around build costs and the use of conservation materials and expenditure dedicated to the Listed Building heritage costs were also carried out. Options which resulted in only 89 rooms were discounted as this would "impact on demand from higher end occupiers" where 130 - 150 room hotels are expected.

A second opinion on the structural report from Capstone Consulting concludes: "[The] report does give a good summary of the current condition of the wings along with sensible recommendations, and it is worth emphasising it is not a report recommending demolition of any of the rear wings on structural grounds. This is consistent with the logic of retaining the north wing in the current application, as all three are of similar construction, and arguably relatively similar condition. These buildings, though weathered and damaged in places, are not beyond repair and could be sensitively restored, should resources allow."

It will be up to Rotherham Council's discretion as to whether the merits of the scheme outweigh the degree of loss of the listed buildings within the site.

Images: Stewart Developments / stephenson hamilton risley STUDIO

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