News: New plans for burnt out buildings site in Rotherham town centre

New plans are being developed for the vacant plot created when two prominent burnt out buildings were demolished in Rotherham town centre.

Early proposals also provide a further hint that a new theatre is planned for the Leisure & Cultural Quarter extending from Forge Island.

The Corporation Street site is one of five where social impact developer Capital&Centric, is supporting Rotherham Council's aim of attracting new uses, services, residential and leisure opportunities and moving away from the traditional retail market.

Rothbiz revealed earlier this year that the Manchester company, a specialist in unlocking and transforming "unloved" brownfield sites into vibrant, design-led neighbourhoods, had been awarded a Rotherham contract that could reach up to £100m in value.

Pre-development work and feasibility studies will help to create full business cases for the five council-owned brownfield sites.

At Corporation Street, the council had to go through a lengthy CPO process for the buildings that made up 3-7 Corporation Street and that were a long-standing eyesore in Rotherham. Having acquired the properties, the authority was ultimately unable to realise a previously approved £6m mixed-use scheme, despite external funds to pay for demolition and help fill a viability gap.

Capital&Centric has worked with consultants, Urbana, and architects, FaulknerBrown, on a new mixed use proposal that includes commercial / office space and ten, three bedroom homes.

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A set of two blocks are shown on the vacant site fronting Corporation Street with ground floor space envisaged as a mix of café, restaurant and retail space. A range of duplex apartments, designed to be home to between two and six people, are shown on the upper floor with a courtyard open space created to the rear.

The plans state: "The proposals represent a significant opportunity to deliver commercial-led regeneration across an important brownfield site within Rotherham Town Centre.

"The proposed development represents a positive and policy-compliant regeneration opportunity within Rotherham Town Centre. It would make effective use of previously developed land, deliver new commercial and residential floorspace, strengthen active frontages and contribute towards a broader and more balanced mix of uses and homes across the wider regeneration programme."

A council cabinet report from earlier this year stated that the scheme, like the Snail Yard scheme nearby, is not considered viable without some form of public sector funding and the council is working with Capital&Centric to find gap funding.

The name given to the development by Capital&Centric is the "Theatre" site.

Rothbiz revealed in 2023 that a new theatre was included in the authority's place-based investment strategy following hints that a new theatre could be located in the Corporation Street area of town.

Rotherham Council has also purchased the former Wilko's store and the vacated former Regal Cinema / Mecca Bingo on Corporation Street for regeneration purposes.

Capital&Centric website

Images: Capital&Centric / FaulknerBrown

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News: Peel takes off Haworth from London Stock Exchange

Peel Holdings has confirmed plans to delist Harworth Group, the Rotherham-based regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, that it is acquiring.

It follows on from wholesale board changes.

Rothbiz reported last month that the board of Harworth, had recommended a best and final takeover offer from major shareholder Peel Holdings, valuing the company at £631.7m.

Created from what was UK Coal, Harworth Group grew to own, develop, and manage a portfolio of over 15,000 acres of strategic land over 100 sites located throughout the North of England and Midlands, and made it on to the FTSE 250, the domestic-focused mid-cap stock index comprising the 101st to 350th largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Manchester's The Peel Group is a long-term investor in Harworth, having held various ownership interests in Harworth over a number of years. The Peel Holdings directors believe that Harworth's assets would be best owned, managed and developed under the full control of Peel Holdings.

Peel's earlier bid document said it would de-list the business from the stock exchange, stating that "Harworth’s stock market listing no longer serves its purpose". It added that "public market listing is of limited benefit," restricted by the largest three shareholders owning approximately 75.8%. of Harworth's share capital. Peel's documents also added that share trading showed a "very low and declining share liquidity" with Harworth not raising equity in nine years.

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With Peel now acquiring over 75% of the shares, an application has been submitted to delist from the Stock Exchange. Following the delisting and cancellation, it is intended that Harworth will be re-registered as a private limited company as soon as practicable.

Harworth recently moved into a new headquarters near to the Advanced Manufacturing Park in its flagship Waverley development in Rotherham. Peel earlier said that it had "not yet determined whether any changes will be made to the location of Harworth's headquarters or headquarters functions, or to the locations of Harworth's other fixed places of business." Any changes would be considered as part of a review into Harworth's assets.

Peel's earlier document also said it would de-list the business from the stock exchange and on jobs, the announcement said: "Following the Offer becoming or being declared unconditional, BidCo expects to review overlapping functions across the Harworth Group, including senior management, corporate, operational, finance, human resources, compliance and other support functions.

"Based on BidCo's preliminary assessment, the Offer is expected to result in a significant headcount reduction and synergies from overlapping functions and the elimination of costs associated with Harworth's status as a listed company. BidCo has not yet determined the number of roles likely to be affected, the timing of any reductions or the specific functions or locations in which any reductions may occur and will provide further information to affected employees in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements."

Peel is expected to review Harworth's fixed asset base, including its strategic land bank and investment portfolio, and then intends to accelerate the disposal of selected assets.

At the start of October, the directors of Harworth all resigned. This included Alastair Lyons (Chair), Lynda Shillaw (Director and Chief Executive), Kitty Patmore (Director and Chief Financial Officer), Angela Bromfield (Senior Independent Non-Executive Director), Patrick O'Donnell Bourke (Independent Non-Executive Director), Lisa Scenna (Independent Non-Executive Director), Marzia Zafar (Independent Non-Executive Director), Phil Redding (Independent Non-Executive Director), Tony Quinlan (Independent Non-Executive Director) and Martyn Bowes (Non-Executive Director).

Steven Underwood, Graeme Charnock, John Peter Whittaker, Ian Ball and Mark Whitworth, representatives of the Peel Group, were appointed as directors in their place.

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Peel website

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News: Public funding set to be used to buy land for South Yorkshire Airport City project

South Yorkshire’s Mayor and leaders are set to approve a landmark deal to bring Doncaster Sheffield Airport and adjacent land into public ownership.

Rothbiz reported last year on a South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board (SYMCA) decision to reopen the airport when it approved a £160m (£159.52m) funding package.

However, during negotiations with landowners, Peel, it was found that clauses in a proposed lease would impact upon the viability of the project. Specifically a solution to a turnover rent clause that was satisfactory for all parties could not be found.

Discussions continued and a change in stance from Peel combined with the potential use of devolved powers led to talks over the freehold purchase of the airport site and the adjacent Gateway East development land.

The SYMCA board is now being asked to essentially use funding that was approved to pay for the lease of the land, to instead cover the borrowing costs for purchasing around 1,000 acres from Peel.

Papers explain that borrowing is profiled to be repaid over a thirty-year period compared to a 125-year lease, with public control of the land offering the opportunity to "achieve the strategic ambition by reinstating the airport whilst at the same time developing the Gateway East land."

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No figures have been made public yet and, whilst bosses say that acquisition borrowing can be largely matched to grant funding, they identify a risk that FlyDoncaster Ltd, the 100% Doncaster Council-owned private limited company running the operation, will need to generate the cashflows required to repay the credit facility extended to it by SYMCA.

Another major risk to the project remains a potential legal challenge from other regional airports regarding the use of public money.

South Yorkshire's Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “I’m delighted to say that subject to formal approval of the MCA Board next week and then Peel, we’ve agreed a deal that means we’re taking Doncaster Sheffield Airport and adjacent Innovation Quarter employment land into public ownership. This is a deal that puts the future of DSA back in our hands and finally gives one of the biggest and best growth opportunities in South Yorkshire the platform for long-term success that it needs and deserves.

“Four years ago, we were told that our airport would be closing. But alongside [Mayor of Doncaster] Ros Jones, I said I would do anything I could to save DSA, and I meant it.

“Which is why after months of negotiations and the growing flexibility afforded to us by the government’s devolution agenda, today we can announce that we have come to an agreement for SYMCA to buy the airport and Innovation Quarter employment land from Peel.

“Subject to the agreement of the MCA Board next week, the airport and surrounding Innovation Quarter employment land will be owned and controlled by us, for us; the people of South Yorkshire. This deal means our future will be in our own hands again.

“When the airport closed, almost everything was against us; the owners did not want to sell, we had no legal powers to intervene or stop the airport from closing, and no backing from the government at the time. Today, the future for DSA is bright, with the airport back in our hands, the sky’s the limit.”

Chancellor John Healey, who is also MP for or Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, added: "This is concrete proof of the benefits of shifting power out of Whitehall and into the hands of the people who best know their local economies: our mayors and local leaders.”

“Local and regional jobs, innovation, opportunities and hope for communities and families across South Yorkshire, including in Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, will all flow from the hard work, determination and partnership which has delivered this outcome.”

“This is precisely the good growth in every postcode that the Government has made its central mission.”

FlyDoncaster Ltd website

Images: FlyDoncaster Ltd

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News: £9.5m vision shows Millmoor reborn

Plans have been revealed for an ambitious £9.5m vision for transforming the site of Rotherham United's former home into a new 2,000-capacity stadium, national women's football centre of excellence and community sports village.

Rothbiz reported first earlier this week that early stage discussions had taken place over the future use of Millmoor, the historic stadium that is currently being demolished.

Now Rotherham United Women FC has revealed its initial vision for the famous site following discussions with owners the Ron Hull Group and meetings with representatives of Rotherham Council.

The proposals would see football return to Millmoor, which was home to Rotherham United for more than a century before the men's team departed in 2008.

At the heart of the plans is a national centre of excellence dedicated to girls' and women's football, with facilities designed to attract players, coaches and sporting organisations from across the UK and potentially further afield.

The club believes the site could become a major destination for women's football development, offering opportunities from grassroots participation through to elite performance, alongside facilities that the entire community can enjoy.

The initial £9.5m vision includes a 2,000-capacity football stadium – a new home for Rotherham United Women, featuring a 3G playing surface, spectator facilities, hospitality and potential for future expansion.

A national centre of excellence for girls' and women's football – specialist coaching, player development, sports science, fitness and education, with ambitions to attract talent from across the country.

Other facilities could include padel courts, a health and fitness hub, community and multi-sport facilities and a tribute to Millmoor's heritage.

The club said that the aim is to create a destination that is busy seven days a week, bringing together elite sport, grassroots participation, education, recreation and community activity as well as acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration in Masbrough.

Phil Smith, co-owner of Rotherham United Women FC, said: "We see an opportunity to create something genuinely significant here, not just for Rotherham but for women's football nationally.

"The ambition isn't simply to build a new stadium. It's to explore a dedicated centre of excellence that could attract players, coaches and sporting organisations from across the country, while creating facilities that schools, families and the wider community can benefit from.

"Millmoor has an incredible history, and there's an opportunity to give it a new purpose for generations to come.

"We've had constructive initial discussions with the Ron Hull Group and representatives of the Council. There's a considerable amount of work ahead, but we believe the potential deserves to be explored properly."

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Rotherham United Women will launch a two-week public consultation on Monday October 26, asking residents, supporters, schools, sporting organisations, charities and businesses what they want from the site.

The consultation will explore demand for the proposed facilities, identify what the community feels is missing and invite ideas that have not yet been considered.

Scott Thorpe, co-owner of Rotherham United Women FC, said: "For nearly 20 years we've talked about what Rotherham lost when football left Millmoor. Maybe it's time we started talking about what Rotherham could gain.

"Imagine a new stadium, kids training on the pitches, families playing padel and young footballers travelling from all over the country because Rotherham has become somewhere they aspire to play.

"Why shouldn't we have something like that here?

"But this can't just be about what Phil and I think. We've got our ideas, and now we want to hear everyone else's.

"If you're a parent, a teacher, a local business, a sports club or someone who simply wants to see Rotherham thrive, we want you involved.

"We're not pretending this is a done deal. There are plenty of hurdles to overcome, but you've got to have ambition."

Rotherham United Women website

Images: RUWFC

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News: Rotherham bank building sold, council tight-lipped

An empty former bank on Corporation Street has sold at auction at the same time as the local council approves the purchase of an unnamed property in Rotherham town centre.

The former NatWest bank building was previously part of a regeneration scheme but agreements could not be reached between the owner and the council.

Described as being "in a state of disrepair requiring development and conversion," BTG Eddisons listed 38 Corporation Street with a guide price of £180,000 - £200,000.

It sold this week for £300,500.

Rothbiz reported in 2021 on investment plans for vacant buildings on Corporation Street as part of a bid to extend the town's new Leisure and Cultural Quarter from nearby Forge Island.

As development continued on the cinema and hotel scheme, acquisitions by Rotherham Council have included the Riverside Precinct, the former Mecca Bingo building, the building vacated by Wilko, and the burnt-out buildings on the opposite side of Corporation Street. All but the grade II listed Mecca building have been demolished.

In the case of the former NatWest Bank, private sector owners did not bring forward a suitable scheme and previously turned down a bid from the council to buy the building.

To support the scheme, Rotherham Council was prepared to sell the former Lloyds bank next door for just £1 in 2022.

By 2024, concerns were being raised regarding the progress made by the owners of the NatWest Bank who were then given a short timescale to provide a plan. With no suitable plans for the bank, the owners then informed the council that they would consider selling the property. However, an agreement could not be reached.

Auction documents show that the property was being sold by Chicken Villas Limited, a company that is connected to the QFM Group, the Sheffield-based operator of a number of popular food franchises.

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Earlier this week, Rotherham Council's cabinet approved the use of its Capital Contingency Fund to "acquire a property in Rotherham Town Centre for the purposes of future regeneration."

The documents do not name the property but describe it as being "the subject of previous masterplan and feasibility work, demonstrating the strategic value of the property for regeneration purposes" and add that the "property’s location means that its future ownership, condition and use could have a material bearing on the quality and delivery of surrounding regeneration proposals."

A cabinet paper adds: "Acquisition would enable the Council to secure control of the property while future development options are assessed. Those options may include refurbishment, redevelopment, reuse in conjunction with adjoining Council interests, or incorporation within a wider regeneration proposal.

"The property is vacant and understood to require significant investment. Acquisition would therefore expose the Council to immediate holding, security, insurance, compliance and maintenance costs pending agreement and funding of any future use.

"The property is vacant and in poor condition, and full access has not yet been provided. There is therefore a risk of significant structural, fabric, building-services, asbestos, security or other abnormal costs. The maximum bid will reflect the limitations of the available information. If acquired, an initial allowance will be made for the security, insurance, health and safety and property-management measures considered essential pending a full condition assessment."

Looking ahead, the council, which is working on multimillion pound public realm work on Corporation Street and a new riverside gardens, said of the new target: "No funded redevelopment project is presently being approved. There is a risk that the cost of bringing the property back into beneficial use exceeds available resources. Acquisition must therefore be justified principally by the property’s strategic importance, supported by an assessment of holding costs and future options."

Options to leave any redevelopment up to the private sector owners, or indeed seek to engage and work with the building's owners were rejected due to the lack of influence and direct control of future regeneration.

Draft plans submitted with the auction documents show around 2,000 sq ft of commercial space in a new building overlooking the river and new gardens and a 1,700 sq ft commercial unit in the old bank. Plans for the upper floors show apartments across both buildings.

Neither the property that Rotherham Council has been authorised to acquire, or the successful bidder of the auction lot has been disclosed.

BTG auctions

Images: BTG

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News: Millmoor talks held over "centre of excellence" idea

Early stage discussions have taken place over the future use of Millmoor, the historic home of Rotherham United that is currently being demolished.

Rothbiz reported first in May that the Ron Hull Group planned to demolish Millmoor with plans explaining the poor condition and the "long term lack of a viable user" of the stadium that last hosted league football almost 20 years ago.

The new owners of CF Booth Ltd, took on the old football ground when it acquired the assets of the historic Rotherham firm that had entered administration. Plans said that "the client does intend to redevelop the site at a future date."

Now, just months on from saving Rotherham United Women Football Club, the new owners there have started discussions regarding big plans for utilising Millmoor in the future.

Local business leaders Phil Smith and Scott Thorpe acquired the club in July when it was just days away from closure following a period of financial uncertainty.

Smith, the founder and former group CEO of Embark Group, and Thorpe of TMG Financial Services, have set out a bold vision to achieve back to back promotions and reach the Barclays Women’s Super League within five years.

With the plans approved for the demolition of Millmoor, talks have taken place about the club creating a sports village at the Masbrough site.

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Scott Thorpe, co-owner of Rotherham United Women Football Club, said: "We've had some really positive discussions with the council about the possibility of bringing one of Rotherham's most historic sporting sites back to life as a sports village and centre of excellence.

"And I don't want us to think small.

"Why shouldn't Rotherham become a genuine centre of excellence for girls' and women's football, with facilities that also support schools, other sports and the wider community?

"Imagine a place where a young girl can start playing football, develop through a proper pathway and potentially go all the way, without having to leave the town to find opportunities.

"And imagine bringing a historic sporting site back to life in a way that benefits thousands of people, not just those who turn up to watch 90 minutes of football.

"That's the sort of ambition I think we should have for Rotherham.

"We're at the beginning of those conversations, and there's a huge amount to work through, including funding, feasibility and listening to what the town actually wants.

"But everything starts with an idea and people willing to put the work in."

Rotherham United Women currently play home games at the Rotherham Hospice Community Stadium at Parkgate. Doncaster Rovers Belles were the last team to play at Millmoor in 2025.

With regard to the future of the site, the CF Booth scrap yard was allocated as Industrial & Business Use in the borough's 2018 local plan. The stadium and surrounding area was allocated as a Mixed Use Area appropriate for "business use (excluding offices), housing, residential and non residential institutions and assembly and leisure uses."

Rotherham United Women Football Club website
TMG website

Images: RUFC / RUWFC

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News: £27.8 billion fund to support next wave of South Yorkshire growth projects

The National Wealth Fund (NWF) has agreed to enter into a strategic partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

The £27.8 billion fund was created by the Government to back regional growth and clean energy.

Four new partnerships have been annpunced that will give more areas direct access to the National Wealth Fund’s investment knowledge, expertise and capital, to help develop and grow project pipelines, attract public and private finance and deliver key infrastructure to support growth and create jobs.

Previous work between the NWF and partners has been to identify and develop investment opportunities in priority areas, including place-based regeneration, transport and clean energy infrastructure. Projects already receiving advisory guidance and support through these partnerships include Clyde Metro in Glasgow City Region, The Sports Quarter in the West Midlands, a new zero-emission bus fleet in Greater Manchester and Mass Transit in West Yorkshire.

The Strategic Partnerships model, provided through the NWF’s Regional Project Accelerator programme, demonstrates the value of deeper, longer-term partnerships with local leaders, bringing the Fund’s expertise together with local knowledge to support projects that can improve local infrastructure, open up development opportunities and help places attract investment. The Fund will continue to explore further opportunities to extend the Strategic Partnerships model to other Mayoral Strategic Authorities and City Regions over time, while continuing to focus support where it can make the greatest impact.

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Oliver Holbourn, CEO of the National Wealth Fund, said: “To unlock the UK’s future we need to grow regional economies. This announcement signals our continued commitment to expanding our partnerships with leaders across the UK, providing tailored support based on local needs and opportunities, creating jobs and spreading the lasting benefits of investment to the local communities they serve.”

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “South Yorkshire has always shaped, made and created the things Britain needs to grow and succeed. Today, from the UK’s first Investment Zone and our Don Valley Corridor plan, to being named one of the country’s tech ecosystem’s rising stars, we’re once again putting South Yorkshire at the forefront of Britain’s industrial future.

“With world-leading assets like the AMRC, Boeing and McLaren rooted here, our partnership with the National Wealth Fund will help us go further, faster - backing brilliant businesses, bringing in investment, and creating the industries, technologies and opportunities that will power growth here in South Yorkshire and across the whole country.”

The NWF is not new, because it has taken over many of the functions of the UK Infrastructure Bank. Investments so far have already mobilised over £16bn in private sector financing at the point of investment, leveraging £2.50 for every £1 deployed.

The Regional Project Accelerator also offers project advisory support, focused on a number of regionally significant projects across the UK, and lending - low cost, flexible lending, directly to local government at gilts +40bps, to support regionally significant projects.

National Wealth Fund website

Images: JPG

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News: Rotherham hosts first halal food bazaar

Visit Rotherham reports on the new multimillion pound markets development in Rotherham town centre hosting its first new market since the first stage of redevelopment works completed - a halal food bazaar.

The Rotherham Bazaar, held each Thursday has also made the move to the redeveloped site at the same time as operator, Rotherham Council, made the decision to move the Monday and Friday general market from the street onto the public space around the Rotherham Market Hall.

As part of the £46.844m project, a new public realm area has been created between the market building and Eastwood Lane and the college campus.

It is not yet known if the general outdoor market on a Saturday, Tuesday street market, Wednesday Antiques & bric-a-brac market, will follow.

At the end of September, a new halal food bazaar took place in the new public realm area, reports Visit Rotherham.

The Rotherham Bazaar launched in 2013 in the old outdoor covered market and is held every Thursday. Taking place on what was historically the quietest shopping day of the week, an outside operator was brought in by Rotherham Council as a response to the message that customers wanted new shopping experiences to be introduced to the town.

Since its launch, the Rotherham Bazaar has held a number of special market days around Eid and made the move to the main streets in the town when demolition work began on the outdoor covered market.

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Promoted by the same operator, the halal food bazaar takes place on the last Saturday of every month.

Halal Food Council USA explains that halal food is a fundamental aspect of Islamic dietary laws and plays a crucial role in the lives of Muslims around the world. The term “halal” refers to anything that is permissible according to Islamic law, and this includes not only what is lawful but also what is wholesome and good. Understanding the basics of halal food is not only important for Muslims but also for anyone interested in diverse culinary traditions and global food culture.

The first event on September 26 included stalls selling nuts, olives, fruit & veg, specialist teas, iced drinks, fresh jalebi (a popular, spiral-shaped deep-fried sweet soaked in sugar syrup), sweets, waffles and other desserts.

The next event is scheduled for Saturday October 24.

Rotherham's outdoor markets relocated from the outdoor covered market at the Drummond Street site to Effingham Street in 2023 as regeneration work progressed.

As part of the redevelopment scheme, traders from the old indoor market have moved temporarily into the New Market Hall until the work on the indoor market is complete (previously scheduled for Autumn 2027). When these traders move back into their revamped home, street traders are due to make use of the new Market Hall.

Rotherham Bazaar facebook page
Rotherham Markets website

Images: Rotherham Bazaar / Facebook

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News: Demolition plans in to save the Alma

A planning application has been submitted as part of efforts to save what remains of a fire-damaged historic pub building in Rotherham.

Rothbiz revealed last year that feasibility issues have arisen with converting the former Alma Tavern into a live music 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."

Funding was moved away from the project to progress plans for a community hub for health provision in the former Boots building in the town centre, but Rotherham Council, the owners of the Alma, said that it was still committed to finding a sustainable plan for the pub that was wrecked by fire in 2012.

A new planning application from Rotherham Council explains that a recent structural report "identified a need to support the original facades in order to retain them for a future reinstatement scheme."

The planning authority is being asked if the remaining structures to the rear can be removed so that scaffolding can be erected to support the frontage. The application also includes repair works to the front elevation and original gable walls to secure and preserve the historic facades.

Permission is required as it is located in the town centre's conservation area.

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A 2021 application, from the then owners, to demolish the building and retain the front facade to the first storey window height was refused as it didn't provide any supporting information. The council's application includes a structural report and a heritage statement.

Rotherham Council said last year that it was working with Chantry Brewery, the tenants and operators of the Cutlers, who wished to take on the Alma.

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.

Rotherham Council said in the application that "due to the unsafe condition of the building ... we are looking to undertake the partial demolition of the building in advance of any viability assessment and redevelopment scheme in order to protect the historic assets of the building and ensure public safety to the immediate areas surrounding the building."

The public house closed in 2005/6 and although not listed, it is on the South Yorkshire Local Heritage List. 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.

The plans state: "The timber roof and floor structures throughout the property are unsafe due to wood decay from wet and dry rot, and the previous fire damage sustained. This in turn compromises the restraint offered to the masonry walls and leaves the walls vulnerable to further collapse if left unsupported.

"Whilst a redevelopment scheme for the site remains a focus for the Council, the main priority is in ensuring the safety to the public realm and adjacent properties, whilst retaining the Edwardian facades to make sure this is not in the detriment to the character of the town centre conservation area.

"With the above in mind our intention is to demolish and remove the remaining structures to the rear of the building, including all brick extensions, timber roof and floor structures. We would then look to implement retaining scaffolds to the full front façade and gables of the original building, making isolated repairs to the lintels and masonry of these facades to ensure they are fully supported and maintained before any redevelopment can take place."

Satnam, the site's previous owner, had hoped to demolish both pubs to build a large retail store on the riverside site. In 2005, Rotherham Council refused the plans with one reason for refusal being that the pubs "make a contribution to the streetscene and add to the character of the setting of the listed building."

Images: RMBC

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News: Hundreds more apartments for Rotherham town centre in Capital&Centric's "Foundry" plans

Social impact developer Capital&Centric's multimillion pound regeneration plans for Rotherham town centre are moving ahead.

Rothbiz revealed earlier this year that the Manchester company, a specialist in unlocking and transforming "unloved" brownfield sites into vibrant, design-led neighbourhoods, had been awarded a Rotherham contract that could reach up to £100m in value.

The next phase involves Rotherham Council using £2.42m from its remaining Local Regeneration Grant secured from the government for pre-development work and feasibility studies to create full business cases for five council-owned brownfield sites.

Plans to extend the Riverside Residential Quarter onto The Statutes and two sites on Sheffield Road are for residential-led schemes that are estimated to deliver 226 new homes including both apartments and townhouses.

Early stage planning documents for the "Foundry" scheme, seen by Rothbiz, show three blocks of apartments at The Statutes - the cleared site that was previously home to the Magistrate's Court and now operates as a car park. Up to four storeys, the unit mix here includes 39 larger, two bedroom flats, 12 one bedroom flats, and four studio flats.

For the current Westgate Car Park on Sheffield Road, called the Post Office site by Capital&Centric, plans show the erection of seven apartment blocks creating 146 homes. Up to three storeys, there are plans for approximately 12% studios, 58% one-bedroom and 30% two-bedroom accommodation. Just over 1,000 sq ft of retail / commercial space is also planned to be included here.

Designs for a "suitably urban scale of development" have evolved to respect and enhance the Grade-II listed Cutlers Arms nearby.

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At the SIG site, the Sheffield Road site most recently acquired by Rotherham Council, plans are for five blocks creating 25 two and three bedroom townhouses - broadening the overall housing offer.

Previous council papers indicate that Capital&Centric's current funding strategy is for the new homes to be developed for private rent with Capital&Centric acting as landlord. The issue of affordable housing provision is to be addressed as plans progress.

Capital&Centric are exploring a proposal to fund the development of these sites through its Impact & Places Partnership, which is a joint venture between Swiss Life Asset Managers, Homes England and Capital&Centric.

Plans, drawn up by Urbana Town Planning, state: "All three sites form RMBC'S Town Centre Strategic Sites which will work to achieve the continued diversification of Rotherham's offer through attracting new uses, services, residential and leisure opportunities and moving away from the traditional retail market.

"Successful projects undertaken to date, or being undertaken within RMBC include Forge Island leisure destination, Town Centre Public Realm improvements, Riverside Gardens, Council led housing development at Westgate, the Markets and Library redevelopment and the town centre Health Hub.

"Taken together, the proposals would deliver significant social, economic and environmental benefits through the provision of new homes, the productive reuse of brownfield land, increased support for town-centre businesses and services, reduced reliance upon private car travel and the physical regeneration of an under-utilised part of the River Don corridor."

Capital&Centric website

Images: Capital&Centric

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News: Rotherham street traders move back to market hall site as indoor traders report drop in footfall

Some traders on the outdoor market that have temporarily been using the main streets in Rotherham town centre have moved back to the markets site as regeneration work progresses.

Indoor traders in the new Market Hall are hoping that it will boost footfall in the area following a slow summer.

Rotherham outdoor market relocated from the outdoor covered market to Effingham Street in 2023 as works progressed on the regeneration of Rotherham Markets.

As part of the £46.844m scheme, traders from the old indoor market have moved temporarily into the New Market Hall until the work on the indoor market is complete (previously scheduled for Autumn 2027). When these traders move back into their revamped home, street traders are due to make use of the new Market Hall.

Operator, Rotherham Council, has now made the decision to move the Monday and Friday general market from the street onto the public space around the Rotherham Market Hall.

As part of the works, a new public realm area has been created between the market and Eastwood Lane and the college campus.

It is not yet known if the general outdoor market on a Saturday, Tuesday street market, Wednesday Antiques & bric-a-brac market, or Rotherham Bazaar on a Thursday, will follow.

Rotherham MP, Sarah Champion recently visited stall holders trading temporarily in the new Market Hall to discuss issues impacting their businesses.

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Having raised the issues with Rotherham Council, the authority admitted that traders and visitors had faced "temporary challenges" as the construction work on the new library and indoor market continues around the new Market Hall.

In reply to the MP, John Edwards, chief executive of Rotherham Council, said: "We are aware that traders have raised concerns regarding footfall in recent weeks. A number of factors are likely to have contributed to this, including the summer closure of the College and the exceptionally hot weather experienced during the period. However, we recognise that accessibility issues and ongoing construction activity may also have had an impact. We continue to monitor visitor numbers and work proactively to support traders and increase market activity.

"The Council is actively promoting the market through a programme of marketing, events, wayfinding improvements, and town-centre promotional activity designed to increase visitor numbers and encourage repeat visits. These initiatives have been developed in partnership with traders to ensure they respond to the needs of businesses and help maximise customer engagement and footfall."

On accessibility, Edwards acknowledged that there had been issues with the lift accessed via Henry Street which had experienced "a number of operational issues in recent weeks" that have since been addressed by the contractors.

Edwards added: "To further improve accessibility, a platform lift will also be installed within the public realm area. Unfortunately, manufacturing delays meant that this could not be installed before the market opened, however the Council continues to work closely with the contractor to deliver this improvement as soon as possible."

Work has recently completed on the signalised crossing linking the markets with Drummond Street car park. Temporary traffic lights had been causing traffic issues in the area.

The council is also considering extending its rent free period for traders "in recognition that some temporary challenges remain."

Rothbiz reported in May on the authority's support for traders involved.

Edwards concluded: "We remain confident that, once the remaining accessibility and public realm improvements are complete, the new market will provide a high-quality, accessible, and sustainable destination that supports both traders and visitors. We will continue to work closely with traders to ensure that the market achieves its full potential as a key part of Rotherham town centre's regeneration."

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News: Plans emerge for Snail Yard site

Redevelopment plans are finally taking shape for a site on the heritage High Street in Rotherham town centre that was acquired by the local council in 2020.

Proposals involve new offices and residential units replacing a temporary pocket park and a vacant plot.

Rotherham Council purchased the former Primark building in November 2020, using funding from the Towns Fund Accelerator programme after the Government awarded a £1m grant to kick start regeneration projects in Rotherham town centre.

Demolition work took place and the authority had set out to complete a pocket park by September 2021 before targeting the Women's Euros in July 2022. It eventually fully opened in 2026 with project costs of £920,000.

Now plans are being brought forward by Rotherham Council's development partner for the prominent site.

Rothbiz reported earlier this year on details of the projects from social impact developer Capital&Centric, who have been awarded a contract to develop five council-owned sites that could reach up to £100m in value.

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Whilst residential-led plans are being progressed for other sites, for Snail Yard, a smaller-scale, mixed-use development is proposed, centred around a courtyard concept.

Early stage planning documents show two new blocks. A new block fronting the High Street, potentially on top of the current pocket park, would contain 2,600 sq ft of commercial space and four residential units. A second block would create 9,500 sq ft of office space and external deck space. The formation of the blocks would also create a hidden courtyard space.

The plans, drawn up by Urbana planning consultants, explain that the development is "principally commercial-led, bringing a substantial amount of new employment-generating floorspace into the heart of Rotherham Town Centre, supplemented by a modest residential component" that would compliment rather than replace commercial use.

The homes are all set to be four bedroom properties adding larger family accommodation to the residential mix in the town centre.

The plans add: "The proposals seek to reinstate the commercial uses which were once occupying the site prior to its temporary use as a pocket park. In this instance, the proposals bring high street uses back to the High Street, restoring an active built frontage and introducing additional activity, employment and footfall."

New housing and increasing the resident population of the town centre is being used as a way to "support the vitality and viability of its existing and emerging commercial, leisure and community offer."

On the design of the development, and given that the site is in the town centre conservation area and close to listed buildings, the developers set out that the proposals "do not seek to replicate historic development, but instead provide a contemporary development which responds to the established scale, rhythm and character of its surroundings and allows the site to make a positive contribution to the evolving character of the Conservation Area.

"Overall, the proposals represent an opportunity to deliver a significant improvement to the character and appearance of this currently fragmented part of Rotherham Town Centre."

A council cabinet report from earlier this year stated that the scheme is not considered viable without some form of public sector funding and the council is working with Capital&Centric to find gap funding.

Capital&Centric website

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News: Rolls-Royce Rotherham investment is a statement of intent and a vote of confidence

Rolls-Royce has announced a landmark £300m investment in its manufacturing and engineering facilities across the UK.

It includes the previously announced investment in its facility in Rotherham.

Rothbiz revealed last year that the world-leading engineers were planning to invest in Rotherham and in March this year came the the confirmation of a £21.3m expansion project at the Advanced Blade Casting Facility (ABCF) on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO of Rolls-Royce, said: "Our manufacturing facilities in the UK are home to the very best of British engineering talent. This £300 million investment is a clear statement of our intent. Rolls-Royce is committed to growing the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector and we are proud to be building infrastructure needed to power Britain's future.

“World-class facilities across the UK will ensure that Rolls-Royce remains a global leader in both commercial aviation and sovereign defence, while supporting thousands of highly skilled jobs both directly and through our supply chain.”

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John Healey MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, added: "This £300m investment by Rolls-Royce is a powerful vote of confidence in Britain's future and in the economic stability this Government is delivering.

“From Derby and Bristol to Rotherham, Glasgow and Warwickshire, it will back skilled jobs, strengthen our sovereign industrial capability, and help drive growth in communities across the United Kingdom.

“At a time of increasing global competition, Britain must be the best place in the world to invest, innovate and build. Today's announcement shows that confidence in our country is growing and that world-leading British firms are investing for the future.”

The £110m Rolls-Royce facility in Rotherham was officially opened in 2015 and is where turbine blades are manufactured for Rolls-Royce's world-leading aeroplane engines.

With a grant of £2m from from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), a total of £21.3m is funding an increase in the facility’s capability and productivity, doubling its output of advanced turbine blades – a critical component in jet engines – by 2030.

The investment programme also demonstrates Rolls-Royce’s long-term commitment to the UK, providing multi-year stability to the hundreds of domestic engineering partners, component manufacturers, and small-to-medium enterprises that provide the company with the parts and services it needs to deliver for customers. In 2025 alone, Rolls-Royce spent more than £2.8 billion with UK-based suppliers, with the vast majority spent with businesses located outside of London and the South East.

Rolls-Royce website

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News: At £631.7m, Harworth agrees to Peel deal

The board of Harworth, the Rotherham-based regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, has recommended a best and final takeover offer from major shareholder Peel Holdings, valuing the company at £631.7m.

Rothbiz reported last month on the initial cash offer worth £582.88m at 172.5p per share that was dismissed, along with a follow up bid at 177.5p. The board argued that those attempts significantly undervalued the business and its standalone growth potential.

Having acquired Harworth shares and passing the 30% mark, Peel Pepper (UK) Limited (part of the wider Peel Group) returned with an increased cash offer of 187p per share which has now gained the unanimous recommendation of the Harworth board.

Created from what was UK Coal, Harworth Group owns, develops, and manages a portfolio of over 15,000 acres of strategic land over 100 sites located throughout the North of England and Midlands. With a focus on Grade A industrial and logistics (I&L) space and emerging opportunities in the data centre market, the company has a target of £1bn of EPRA NDV - EPRA NDV is how Harworth measures the value of its assets.

Manchester's The Peel Group is a long-term investor in Harworth, having held various ownership interests in Harworth over a number of years. The Peel Holdings directors believe that Harworth's assets would be best owned, managed and developed under the full control of Peel Holdings.

An update to the stock exchange read: "While the Harworth Board has confidence in the Group’s standalone strategy and future potential, the recommendation follows careful consideration of the Best and Final Offer and engagement with Harworth Shareholders."

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Peel believes that the bid is a "highly attractive and certain cash solution at a full valuation, against the alternative of an investment in Harworth, which has an increasingly uncertain outlook, and an unsuitable public company structure from which to deliver the strategic change that BidCo [Peel] believes is required."

Harworth's statement added: "The Harworth Board believes that the Best and Final Offer is in the best interests of all Harworth Shareholders, as it accelerates shareholder returns that could be delivered from, and removes the execution risk associated with, the strategic plan that Harworth would pursue independently."

In the earlier bid document, Peel said that Harworth's administrative expenses and net interest expenses are too high and increasing, whilst the investment portfolio's passing rental income has decreased. Harworth subsequently announced a strategy to reduce expenses and withdraw from the residential sector to focus on industrial and data centre development. Peel said that this strategy was "reactive and unsubstantiated."

Harworth recently moved into a new headquarters at its flagship Waverley development in Rotherham. Peel earlier said that it had "not yet determined whether any changes will be made to the location of Harworth's headquarters or headquarters functions, or to the locations of Harworth's other fixed places of business." Any changes would be considered as part of a review into Harworth's assets.

Peel's earlier document also said it would de-list the business from the stock exchange and on jobs, the announcement said: "Following the Offer becoming or being declared unconditional, BidCo expects to review overlapping functions across the Harworth Group, including senior management, corporate, operational, finance, human resources, compliance and other support functions.

"Based on BidCo's preliminary assessment, the Offer is expected to result in a significant headcount reduction and synergies from overlapping functions and the elimination of costs associated with Harworth's status as a listed company. BidCo has not yet determined the number of roles likely to be affected, the timing of any reductions or the specific functions or locations in which any reductions may occur and will provide further information to affected employees in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements."

Peel is expected to review Harworth's fixed asset base, including its strategic land bank and investment portfolio, and then intends to accelerate the disposal of selected assets.

Harworth Group website
The Peel Group website

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News: Prominent Rotherham bank building goes up for auction

An empty former bank in Rotherham town centre is set to go under the hammer next month.

The Corporation Street building was previously part of a regeneration scheme but agreements could not be reached between the owner and the council.

The former NatWest bank is described as being "in a state of disrepair requiring development and conversion."

Rothbiz reported in 2021 on investment plans for vacant buildings on Corporation Street as part of a bid to extend the town's new Leisure and Cultural Quarter.

As development continued on the cinema and hotel scheme at nearby Forge Island, acquisitions by the council included the Riverside Precinct, the former Mecca Bingo building, the building vacated by Wilko, and the burnt-out buildings on the opposite side of Corporation Street. All but the grade II listed Mecca building have been demolished.

In the case of the former NatWest Bank, private sector owners have not brought forward a suitable scheme and have turned down a bid from the council to buy the building.

2021 plans showed CGIs of a new scheme at the bank buildings on Corporation Street, adding that: "The Council have worked in conjunction with private sector owners to develop a mixed use and residential scheme which is capable of retaining the heritage features of buildings within the conservation area but requires some public sector funding."

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To support the scheme, Rotherham Council was prepared to sell the former Lloyds bank next door for just £1 in 2022.

By 2024, concerns were being raised earlier regarding the progress made by the owners of the NatWest Bank who were then given a short timescale to provide a plan. With no suitable plans for the bank, the owners then informed the council that they would consider selling the property. An agreement could not be reached.

Now BTG Eddisons is listing 38 Corporation Street for its next auction in October with a guide price of £180,000 - £200,000.

The listing states: "An attractive and substantial stone built detached building dating back to the early 1900s originally as a Bank arranged over three floors in a state of disrepair requiring development and conversion. The existing layout comprises a ground floor which is largely open plan with several annexed meeting rooms.

"The property benefits from several strong rooms in the basement and has ancillary accommodation throughout the remainder of the property and upper floors. A scheme has been drawn up to for the conversion and development to provide two ground floor commercial units, one of which have a lower ground floor along with a mix of one and two bedroom apartments over the upper floors. We understand that any development may be eligible for local authority grants or even GAP funding, prospective buyers are to carry out their own due diligence and enquiries in this regard.

"The building is well located within the heart of the town centre and close by the new Forge Island development, a joint scheme delivered by Rotherham Council and Muse Developments. The development includes a 69-room Travelodge hotel, an 8-screen boutique cinema and a pedestrianised public space including 6 commercial properties providing bar, restaurant and entertainment facilities."

Allthough not a isted building, the former Sheffield Banking Company branch was added to the local list of heritage assets earlier this year. Listed as 36 Corporation Street, it states that it was built in 1892-4 with the northern end of the front elevation rebuilt and inset in 1913 to comply with the construction of the new road. The present building replaced an earlier house, present by 1774, which was occupied by Sheffield Banking Company from 1834.

With work underway on the new Riverside Gardens and street scene improvements, the council has been hoping to acquire more property interests at Corporation Street. The properties were not named but minutes from Rotherham's Town Deal board from 2025 show that the council had an offer accepted on the Ring Shop and make reference to 22 Corporation Street.

BTG Eddisons website

Images: BTG Eddisons

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News: Delayed Rotherham library set to open in 2027

A scheduled opening of the multimillion pound new library in Rotherham town centre in 2026 has been shelved, the leader of the council confirms.

With the first phase of the regeneration project now open, the cost of completing a long-awaited revamp of the markets in Rotherham town centre has risen to £46.84m.

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 New Market Hall opened for business in July and council reports from earlier in the year had the library down as the next part of the scheme to complete - in "Autumn 2026."

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council gave an update on the construction of the library. He told a recent full council meeting: "That work is ongoing and we expect it to open in the first quarter of next year. It will be a great asset."

Henry Boot (HBC) began works at the end of 2023 and have since made progress on the construction which had a total contract price of £36m. Construction costs were reported as £41.735m earlier this year.

The authority had hoped for a new library in December 2025, then autumn 2026, but the completion of the whole project was pushed back to 2027.

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The library is designed to be a welcoming cultural, leisure, and learning hub at the heart of the town centre.

In addition to books and resources, the modern facility is set to incorporate several key features including community hubs with a family-friendly café, alongside flexible, multi-purpose event and exhibition spaces. For learning and engagement, the design includes dedicated meeting rooms to support educational programmes, workshops, and diverse community activities.

Rothbiz reported in April on the Council's cabinet approving further funding, including using various council pots to fill a funding gap following an increase in the total budget of the redevelopment from £40.894m to £46.844m. The request for another £5.95m was a year after the council secured a further £6.5m from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to cover previous budget increases.

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

A wide ranging review of how council-led projects are managed is being led by the Council's chief executive.

Consultants at Wakefield-based Solace in Business have also been appointed on a £120,000 contract to carry out an independent investigation into the Libraries and Markets project.

Traders from the old indoor market have moved temporarily into the New Market Hall until the revamp of the indoor market is complete (previously scheduled for Autumn 2027). When work began, outdoor market traders moved on to the street market temporarily with space in the new market hall earmarked for their return next year.

Images: Tom Austen

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News: More government cash for Rotherham Gateway Station

Further funding is set to come down the line to support the multimillion pound Rotherham Gateway Station regeneration scheme.

Housing schemes around the Parkgate site, and the wider Bassingthorpe development nearby, are set to benfit.

The board at the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has signed off on its priorities for new government funding to support housing, regeneration and employment growth in priority urban locations.

South Yorkshire has been allocated £85m from the City Densification Fund, an £800m government funding programme launched in Spring 2026 to help regional mayors unlock stalled urban housing and commercial developments.

Sheffield Moorfoot, Sheffield Station Campus and Rotherham Gateway have been identified as the initial priorities for the cash.

Integrated with a new tram-train stop, the Rotherham Gateway Station at Parkgate would bring faster rail connections. A new mainline rail station at Forge Way would deliver faster links to Birmingham, Sheffield, Leeds, and Doncaster, unlocking wider regional and national connectivity. The aim is for journey times to Leeds to be cut from 60 minutes to 30 minutes and to be 75 minutes to Birmingham.

With opening pencilled in for "late 2030," the four-phase masterplan for the £300m scheme sets out that it could bring 1,000 highly-skilled jobs and support more than £1bn of private investment.

A paper to the SYMCA board states: "Following engagement with local authorities, Homes England and other delivery partners, a programme of work has been undertaken to identify eligible investment opportunities. In line with Government guidance, the City Densification Fund is intended to support development within city centres and locations associated with Northern Powerhouse Rail investment where viability barriers are preventing delivery. Candidate schemes were assessed against an agreed framework covering strategic fit, deliverability, additionality, leverage and phasing.

"Further development, due diligence and business case work is required before individual funding commitments can be considered through SYMCA's assurance framework."

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The report also seeks board approval on utilising the £118m for the region from the National Housing Delivery Fund (NHDF), a £21 billion fund that provides capital funding for infrastructure and land to support the government’s ambition to build 1.5 million new homes.

A pipeline initially identified 184 sites with potential for 32,000 new homes but this has been refined to 15 proposed "mini programmes."

Rotherham schemes making the list include "Rotherham Gateway," "Rotherham Town Centre Sites & Bassingthorpe Farm" and an "Affordable Housing Programme" for the borough.

With the programme already starting in April 2026, Strategic Business Cases (SBCs) will now been drawn up before individual schemes in these areas can come forward for funding.

Rothbiz reported last year that two "catalyst sites" in Rotherham were identified to spearhead the government's historic £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme - Bassingthorpe Farm and Rotherham town centre. For South Yorkshire, an indicative spend, subject to suitable bids, was set out at £700m.

The Government recently updated national planning rules so that there is a default "yes" for homes within reasonable walking distance of well-connected stations, alongside new minimum expectations for how much housing should be built in these areas.

Images: RMBC

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News: Rotherham development site brought to market

Keyland Developments has launched to market a site in Rotherham with planning consent in place for 333,000 sq ft of employment space.

Rothbiz reported in 2024 on the sister-company of Yorkshire Water securing outline planning permission for the transformation of a plot of unused land at Aldwarke into a new industrial park, which they say would be big enough to create over 800 new jobs.

Proposals are for B2/B8 industrial and distribution accommodation over 15 units ranging from 4,000 to 75,000 sq ft. The new development has an estimated GVA of £28m.

Close to the site of the proposed new mainline station at Parkgate, the 24.4 acre site opposite to the steelworks on Aldwarke Lane is partially developed and is currently occupied by engineered earth mounds and hard standing areas - previously used for drying sewage sludge. It sits next to the Waste Water Treatment Works and River Don.

Joe Boothman, Land & Development Manager at Keyland Developments, said: "Having secured outline planning consent with our proposals for a scheme that exceeds current policy requirements for biodiversity net gain, we are looking forward to securing a purchaser with an aligning commitment to sustainable development in order to revitalise the land.

"The new development will have a positive economic impact with significant job creation and the ability to support growing local businesses with new space requirements, as well as attracting those looking to relocate and bring new investment into the area."

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Dan Walker, Director at GV & Co, added: "The small to mid-size industrial market in South Yorkshire is presently strong with good demand from occupiers seeking space under 100,000 sq ft. This site with its frontage to Aldwarke Lane and proximity to the motorway network and Rotherham Town Centre presents an excellent opportunity for a new industrial/logistics and warehousing development to capitalise on demand."

The land was opencast until 1983, with underground workings ending in 1957 and was allocated for employment use in Rotherham's local plan.

An indicative proposed masterplan shows units ranging from 4,000 sq ft to 75,000 sq ft and designs show a 30% split for B2 and 70% for B8.

The plans, drawn up by Sheppard Planning and KPP Architects, stated that, when fully operational, the development could generate between 402 jobs and 859 jobs.

The site may be included in the emerging plans for the Don Valley Corridor, which stretches from Sheffield City Centre through the Lower Don Valley to the steelworks site at Aldwarke.

Keyland Developments website

Images: Keyland Developments

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News: Progress for restoration of the South Tower at Wentworth Woodhouse

Visit Rotherham is reporting that work will soon get underway on a unique holiday let in Rotherham after a fundraising target was reached.

A planning application has now been submitted regarding the restoration and future of the South Tower at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported earlier this year on leading preservation and heritage charity, The Landmark Trust, launching fundraising for plans to create a "truly elegant place to stay" at the Grade-I listed mansion.

Founded in 1965, The Landmark Trust works to save historic buildings in danger of being lost forever. Sensitive restoration offers "landmarks" a new future by making them available to everyone for self-catering holidays. The lettings income from the 200+ extraordinary buildings in the charity's care supports their maintenance and survival in our landscape, culture and society.

A campaign to raise £500,000 launched last year with plans to restore the secluded eyrie and a rare survival of 18th century feminine taste within the monumental Rotherham mansion and create a holiday let for two people.

According to Visit Rotherham, 937 individual Landmark supporters and charitable trusts are supporting the Wentworth Woodhouse plans.

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The detailed planning application, drawn up by Donald Insall Architects, states: "The proposals aim to restore the historic character of the South Tower’s upper chamber while reconfiguring adjacent rooms to provide essential facilities for a holiday let. The scheme supports Landmark’s wider objectives of sustainable reuse and public engagement with heritage, contributing to the longterm stewardship of this nationally significant building.

"The proposals aim to sensitively adapt the interior of the South Pavilion to provide holiday accommodation, while retaining and enhancing its historic character to the high quality expected of a Landmark Trust property. The upper chamber will be restored and presented as a sitting room, reflecting its late 18th century decorative scheme and historic use.

"Secondary spaces within the South Quadrant will be reconfigured to provide a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, with a restrained decorative approach appropriate to their historic function.

"Access to the accommodation will be via a discreet route from the rear of the building, avoiding disruption to the principal elevations and respecting the historic setting. The works are designed to be conservation-led, materially appropriate, and aligned with Landmark Trust’s commitment to sustainable heritage management.

"The proposals support the long-term stewardship of the building, enabling public engagement with a historically significant part of the estate while ensuring its continued use and maintenance."

The Landmark Trust commissioned detailed preparatory research and analysis on the interior, and plans include reinstating the magnificent decorative ceiling, lost in the 20th century.

As the two trusts wait on planning approval, the main contractor for the project, Dobsons of Ilkley, has been selected following a competitive tendering process.

Correspondence from 1778 between the estate steward Benjamin Hall and architect John Carr reveals that the upper room of the South Tower was being fitted out for private use. The work was overseen by Lady Rockingham, who also directed the furnishing and decoration of other ancillary buildings such as the Conservatory and Tea Room which is now known as the Camellia House.

The son of the Fourth Earl Fitzwilliam, Charles Viscount Milton, used the top floor as his study in the years leading up to his inheritance of the title in 1833, with the 1832 plans labelling the room as such. The room was likely then used as a study or archive store until the house was leased for use by Lady Mabel College in 1949.

Comprehensive external repairs were carried out by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT), which completed in June 2022 and earlier ideas to utilise all three storeys of both the Pavilion and Quadrant were discounted, judged to be too invasive.

Plans, which also require Listed Building Consent, show the upper chamber as a sitting room, the reconfiguration of secondary spaces within the South Quadrant to provide a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, and the integration of sustainability measures to improve thermal performance and energy efficiency.

Wentworth Woodhouse website
Landmark Trust website

Images: Wentworth Woodhouse / Donald Insall Architects

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