News: What's the use? Still no viable scheme announced for listed building

Rotherham Council has set aside £701,390 to secure an art deco former cinema in the town centre until a new use can be found.

Vandals have previously caused "significant damage" to the fabric of the former Regal Cinema and Mecca Bingo on Corporation Street. The empty Grade II Listed building was acquired in 2022 and has been added to the Council’s own Heritage at Risk Register.

Rothbiz reported last year that a contract, worth £451,694, was awarded to Blackpool-based F Parkinson Ltd for the internal clearance, external roofing and refurbishment.

Planning approval has recently been secured for the latest part of the scheme that aims to ensure that the building remains safe, secure and compliant whilst a review of future use is undertaken. Intervention is necessary to secure the building whilst it vacant and help it to be safely and securely mothballed.

The latest works are described as relatively minor and involve replacing double timber doors on the side elevation facing the car park to the north, with double steel security doors. The existing cast iron rainwater goods on the building have also failed and it is proposed to replace them with cast aluminium rainwater goods painted in an off-white colour.

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A planner's report states: "The building is currently vacant and has been since the 2020 pandemic. The premises have been broken into in the past with metal theft and vandalism having occurred. The owner of the premises Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) have confirmed that they intend to mothball and secure the building until a viable scheme for its re-use can be found.

"With regards to the replacement timber doors, these are not of special interest and look to have been inserted at a later date to provide a fire escape for the building. Whilst the replacement steel doors will look defensive, it is acknowledged that they are necessary to stop break ins of the building whilst it is being mothballed. It is considered that the replacement doors would lead to less than substantial harm to the listed building. As such, public benefit needs to be provided to outweigh the identified harm.

"It is accepted that the building is vulnerable to vandalism and break-ins due to its vacant state. Significant damage has already occurred to the building fabric from vandalism, and this is only likely to continue unless the building is fully secured.

"It is considered that there is clear public benefit in providing security to the building whilst it is vulnerable to break ins by being vacant and the use of steel security doors is a reasonable and expedient measure to protect the building. As such, it is considered that there is clear public benefit to justify the proposal in security terms."

In addition to new paintwork, the council's plans for the building also include using a vinyl treatment on the metal shutters of the existing windows and doors to create the illusion of the original windows and entrances. Where original cinematic posters would have been displayed interchangeable advertising will again be displayed.

Rotherham Council's capital programme 2025/26 to 2029/30 has £701,390 assigned to the Mecca Bingo project.

At the end of 2021, Rothbiz revealed that a campaign to save the building had been successful with the site now protected by Grade II listed building status. This meant that earlier proposals from Sunshine Homes Ltd to erect a new residential building consisting of 45 dwellings and three ground floor commercial units was withdrawn. The plans would have involved knocking down the building as converting the existing property was found to be not a viable proposal.

When a new theatre was included in Rotherham's place-based investment strategy, it was given an investment figure of c.£28m. Rotherham Council has previously used regeneration funding to carry out market testing and an options appraisal for the provision of a performing arts venue in Rotherham town centre as the current Civic Theatre building has challenges in terms of capacity, opportunity for growth and its general condition. A Feasibility Study was undertaken in 2022 to determine a suitable location for a new venue and a site was subsequently acquired by the Council.

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News: New 100-seat studio space for Rotherham town centre

Rotherham's civic theatre has been successful in securing funds from a £130m government pot that aims to protect cultural venues, museums, and libraries for present and future generations.

Visit Rotherham reports that Rotherham Council says that it will use the funding to make the theatre a more welcoming space for audiences and performers.

The creation of a studio space is also on the cards.

The theatre accommodates a range of touring and local musical, comedy and theatrical performances. The building on Catherine Street in the town centre is a converted church and was purchased by the Council prior to being converted into a theatre in 1960.

£540,000 was allocated by the authority in 2012 to carry out much-needed repairs and refurbishment of both the interior and exterior of the building. The works were expected to bring the theatre up to a condition which would give a further ten years life. Further government funding was secured during the COVID lockdown when the theatre was closed and the decision was taken to carry out a refurbishment of the front of house and bar areas at the Civic.

A list of 130 organisations has recently been announced marking the first projects receiving cash from the government’s Arts Everywhere Fund.

Earlier this year, the Culture Secretary committed up to £1.5 billion to the cultural sector over this parliament, with the Arts Everywhere Fund aiming to save more than 1,000 cherished arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings across England.

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Through the Creative Foundations Fund (CFF), Rotherham Civic Theatre has been awarded £200,000.

An update from operators, Rotherham Council explained: "We are thrilled to have been awarded funding from the government’s Arts Everywhere Fund along with 15 other cultural venues, museums, and libraries across Yorkshire and the Humber.

"The funding, will help to provide welcoming, affordable spaces for communities to visit, come together and celebrate what makes their local area special. We are set to receive £200,000 to help us make Rotherham Civic Theatre a more welcoming space for our audiences, and performers. It will enable us to create a studio space and provide better accessibility for everybody.

"We have been part of the cultural activity in Rotherham for over 65 years, and we hope this funding will enable us to continue providing performances in a welcoming space that all generations can enjoy."

At the start of 2026, Rotherham Theatres began recruitment for and Performing Arts Programme Manager and made mention of an "exciting new 100-seat studio space launching in Autumn 2026."

The previous Rotherham Arts Centre Studio Theatre closed in 2011 as the authority relocated the library to Riverside House in order to sell its land to developers who brought forward the large Tesco store on Drummond Street. A new library is being built within the new markets development nearby after the number of visitors reduced following the Riverside move.

Arts Council England Chair Sir Nicholas Serota said: "Arts organisations, museums and libraries are the beating heart of our communities.

"After significant financial pressures in recent years, this vital investment will help organisations to secure futures where they thrive and not just survive.

"We look forward to seeing these cultural spaces flourish as they continue to provide access to excellent art and culture for everyone, everywhere, for many years to come."

Rothbiz revealed in 2023 that a new theatre was included in Rotherham's place-based investment strategy, and was given an investment figure of c.£28m.

Rotherham Civic Theatre website

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News: Work to prepare old Rotherham cinema building for regeneration

Rotherham Council has appointed a contractor to secure an art deco former cinema in the town centre until a new use can be found.

Vandals have already caused "significant damage" to the fabric of the empty Grade II Listed building.

The authority was granted planning permission earlier this year to repaint the exterior of 2 Corporation Street "to more sympathetic and historically appropriate colours, in order to preserve and enhance its architectural integrity, while maintaining its significance."

Now attention has turned to the inside of the former Regal Cinema and Mecca Bingo that was acquired in 2022.

A council tender for the internal clearance, external roofing, and refurbishment, includes remedial works - a secondary strip following initial clearance, and asbestos and vegetation removal.

Parapet and gutter works are set to be carried out followed by the boarding of the building on completion of works.

The council's plans also included using a vinyl treatment on the metal shutters of the existing windows and doors to create the illusion of the original windows and entrances. Where original cinematic posters would have been displayed interchangeable advertising will again be displayed.

The contract, worth £451,694, has been awarded to Blackpool-based F Parkinson Ltd and is due to complete by the end of September 2025.

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The future for the building is not yet clear. Planning documents state that: "The owner of the premises Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) have confirmed that they intend to mothball and secure the building until a viable scheme for its re-use can be found."

In a council report, Kevin Fisher, Assistant Director Property and Facilities Services at Rotherham Council said: "Enabling works are required within the building to ensure that the building remains safe, secure and compliant whilst a review of future use is undertaken."

Planning documents also add that: "The building is vulnerable to vandalism and break-ins due to its vacant state. Significant damage has already occurred to the building fabric from vandalism, and this is only likely to continue unless the building is fully secured."

At the end of 2021, Rothbiz revealed that a campaign to save the building had been successful with the site now protected by Grade II listed building status. This meant that earlier proposals from Sunshine Homes Ltd to erect a new residential building consisting of 45 dwellings and three ground floor commercial units was withdrawn. The plans would have involved knocking down the building as converting the existing property was found to be not a viable proposal.

The property has since been added to the council's own heritage at risk register.

Rothbiz has previously reported on Rotherham Council using regeneration funding to carry out market testing and an options appraisal for the provision of a performing arts venue in Rotherham town centre as the current Civic Theatre building has challenges in terms of capacity, opportunity for growth and its general condition. A Feasibility Study was undertaken in 2022 to determine a suitable location for a new venue and a site was subsequently acquired by the Council.

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News: Could a new £28m theatre for Rotherham town centre be in the script?

Rotherham Council is getting its act together regarding a new performing arts venue in Rotherham town centre, casting doubt on the future of the Civic Theatre.

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 where the Council wants to see the Leisure & Cultural Quarter extended from Forge Island.

Regeneration funding is now being set aside to undertake market testing and an options appraisal for the provision of a performing arts venue in Rotherham town centre. £24,999 is set to be used from a £3m feasability fund backed by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

Rotherham Civic Theatre, which celebrates 65 years in 2025, is a 356-seat theatre that accommodates a range of touring and local musical, comedy and theatrical performances. The building on Catherine Street is a converted church and was purchased by the Council in 1960.

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A Rotherham Council report reads: "The current building has challenges in terms of capacity, opportunity for growth and its general condition. A Feasibility Study was undertaken in 2022 to determine a suitable location for a new venue and the site was subsequently acquired by the Council.

"However, a new Centre for Performing Arts represents a significant investment and fundraising challenge for the Council and before plans progress it would like to undertake market testing to inform a full options appraisal to be sure that the investment would create a viable model for the future of the theatre."

When a new theatre was included in Rotherham's place-based investment strategy, it was given an investment figure of c.£28m.

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

In 2022 an initial feasability study found that people responding to consultation were generally in favour of a new space in a more central location that takes advantage of transport links and provides a new focal point for the town centre culture and leisure offer.

New market testing and a detailed options appraisal would "enable the Council to explore options for a future performing arts provision in the town centre that are both financially robust and fit for the market."

Consultants have previously told the council that a new theatre should include a main house theatre, studio theatre, classrooms, workshops and rehearsal spaces in addition to active uses such as retail and hospitality that would provide a day time offer and "street level activation," with greater connection to the wider town centre development including restaurants, bars and other cultural venues.

The study also added that a new theatre should have greater links to travel and transport, both car parks, walking routes from new housing developments and public transport.

Rotherham Civic Theatre has historically attracted between 65,000 and 75,000 customers a year and enjoys a 65-70% capacity over the year including a well-supported panto of approximately 90% capacity.

Rotherham Council has also earmarked £4.5m of regeneration funding for a live music venue in the town centre and is working on options for the Alma Tavern.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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News: Demolition begins on former Wilkos site in Rotherham town centre

Demolition work on the former Wilkos building on Corporation Street is under way as the regeneration of Rotherham town centre continues.

As reported by Rothbiz, the Council acquired the building at 4 Corporation Street in January 2023 to prevent it from becoming a long-term empty building, after high street household, DIY and homewares chain, Wilkos, closed the store after 127 years in the town centre.

The authority said that the site will be utilised to enhance the Town Centre Masterplan, and over the next 18 months will be part of the Forge Island site compound.

A planning application for demolition showed that the site was earmarked as the potential location for a new theatre.

The 20,423 sq ft property was vacated by the value general merchandise retailer at the start of 2022. It sits alongside the former Riverside Precinct and Chantry Buildings - again acquired and demolished by the council as part of regerenation works - and the former Mecca Bingo, another authority acquisition "that will contribute to the further regeneration of the Leisure & Cultural Quarter."

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A new theatre is included in a new place-based investment strategy outlined by the council and has been given an investment figure of c.£28m.

Bowmer & Kirkland has been appointed to do the demolition work as they are the main contrator on the Forge Island scheme.

Heavy plant machinery is currently in operation on the back of the building and will continue to demolish the rest of the structure in sections over the next six weeks.

After being removed, the materials will be recycled and reused in other projects across the UK.

Prior to the demolition starting, the building was stripped inside to ensure that all asbestos was removed.

Cllr Denise Lelliott, Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Business and Economy said: “With the crane now towering over the ongoing works on Forge Island and more town centre homes becoming occupied, we’re making progress on our plans to regenerate Rotherham town centre. The closure of Wilko’s after such a long time was clearly a loss but sadly this is a pattern seen in other town centres across the country. So rather than leave the building empty we want to use the space to help facilitate the wider Forge Island development over the coming months.”

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News: Contracts awarded for Rotherham town centre regen projects

Private sector contractors have been appointed to progress Rotherham Council-led regeneration schemes in Rotherham town centre.

On Corporation Street, where the authority has acquired the former Wilko's retail unit, Bowmer & Kirkland has been appointed to do the demolition work.

The construction and development group is in town having been awarded the £33.9m construction contract via Muse and the council for the nearby Forge Island development – bringing a state-of-the-art cinema, 69 room hotel, and six restaurants providing food from around the world to the town centre.

With work underway, a council report shows that transport bosses have indicated that they will not support the closure of Corporation Street for a prolonged period, meaning the only workable access is from the Forge Island side.

The report also shows that Bowmer & Kirkland has raised concerns over the demolition of 4 Corporation Street "stating that there is a real danger of both delays to the programme and a risk to health and safety if another contractor is brought into the scheme to work in the same space at the same time as the main works are progressing.

"Bowmer & Kirkland have a wealth of experience in completing demolition and refurbishment schemes and would be looking to commence the works as soon as possible to minimise the impact to the HV /substation installation and the works around the entrance. Logistically, they would be able to incorporate the demolition whilst carrying out works on site B [part of the Forge Island site], this would take a large amount of planning in terms of access and egress, however if they had control over both sites this would be manageable."

The site had been earmarked as the potential location for a new theatre.

A figure for the contract has not been disclosed.

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Meanwhile, at the delayed pocket park on the High Street, local firm, SME Environmental Services Ltd has been appointed to carry out works including some remaining site clearance, along with blocking up access between the adjacent building, and the installation of vehicle barriers to the adjacent car park. The contract value is £49,880.

The plans for the former Primark store have been scaled back as the council wrestles with delays and rising costs.

Along Sheffield Road and Westgate, where Rotherham Council has purchased further properties and plots of land for housing, Esh Construction Ltd has been awarded a contract for enabling works.

A council report on the £483,842.47 contract states: "As part of Rotherham’s continued diversification of and investment in the town centre this scheme contributes to the delivery of a new residential quarter in the town centre. This contract will facilitate the progression of the Riverside Residential Quarter through the development of an engineering design solution and delivery strategy for a new riverside walk and realignment and infrastructure works to Water Lane."

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News: Council leader addresses "believe it when I see it" jibes over Rotherham regeneration

The leader of Rotherham Council has addressed the all-too-common comments from constituents of "nothing ever gets better," "what a waste of money” and “it won't happen anyway” when it comes to regeneration projects in the borough, stating that things like new cinemas and theatres, "don’t just randomly drop from the sky" and have to be earned the hard way.

Cllr. Chris Read was speaking at the recent launch of the updated Rotherham Together Partnership plan at the University Centre Rotherham (UCR).

Rothbiz reported this week on Rotherham Council's new place-based investment strategy which sets out priorities for using funding across the borough up to 2025 and beyond.

The document captures already announced schemes such as the £45m leisure-led development of Forge Island, the £31m redevelopment of the markets complex, the £27m cultural quarter around Corporation Street and the £12m of investment into new housing along the riverside. Multimillion pound transport schemes are also underway at Parkgate and Magna.

Going beyond 2025, a new theatre is included in the strategy and has been given an investment figure of c.£28m.

Cllr. Read talked about the projects underway but also of the comments he receives such as "nothing ever changes" and “I’ll believe it when I see it with my own eyes.”

Read said: "For too long, that logic of “nothing ever gets better” has been too prominent in the conversations we have.

"I’ve got saved on my phone a screenshot of the comment posted on Facebook when we announced the building of this UCR [the £10.5m university centre opened on Doncaster Gate in 2018]. It simply said; “What a waste of money.” I’m guessing no one thinks that now.

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"But, why were we the last place in South Yorkshire to get an HE skills centre like this? Why will we be the last to have a cinema?

"Too often, the conversation is caught between “it won’t happen anyway” and “it should have happened already,” as if progress is made magically, without anyone ever having to take a chance, have a go, spend some money – or frankly make some mistakes.

"Progress may well just be taken for granted when it’s achieved, but it has to be earned the hard way in the first place.

"The Forge Island debate looked exactly like that: we’ve waited sixty years or more for that development. People rightly look at our neighbours and ask why we can’t have facilities like Barnsley’s Glassworks or Doncaster’s Cast. Then they’re horrified to discover that gems like those don’t just randomly drop from the sky."

Last year, Rotherham Council agreed to fund the Forge Island regeneration scheme itself when the the funding available its delivery partner, Muse, "significantly reduced" due to the volatility of the financial markets. The authority said it would save nearly £50m compared to an externally funded deal drafted in 2018. Work is underway in site with Bowmer & Kirkland bagging the £33.9m construction contract.

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News: Rotherham's new investment strategy includes £28m theatre ambition

Rotherham Council has published a new place-based investment strategy setting out priorities for using funding across the borough up to 2025 and beyond.

It includes things like a new £28m theatre and the expansion of the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation District (AMID).

Replacing the Economic Growth Plan, the strategy takes a place-based approach, responding to the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and the devolved "South Yorkshire Renewal Fund" which is set to fund projects across the region.

Looking beyond buildings and infrastructure to the needs and assets of its community, the strategic objectives include supporting and diversifying Rotherham’s town centre offer to increase footfall and create a resilient and economically secure place. Other objectives focus on manufacturing, culture, housing, transport, skills and inclusive growth.

Capturing already announced schemes, projects for the town centre from now until 2025 include the £45m leisure-led development of Forge Island, the £31m redevelopment of the markets complex, the £27m cultural quarter around Corporation Street and the £12m of investment into new housing along the riverside.

Cultural projects include the £2.9m expansion for literacy charity, Grimm & Co, and a £9m new library to go alongside the new markets.

Going beyond 2025, a new theatre is included in the strategy and has been given an investment figure of c.£28m.

Rothbiz revealed that the authority had applied to knock down the former Wilkinson's Store on Corporation Street and that the site had been earmarked as the potential location for a new theatre.

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To develop the economy further, the strategy looks at expanding the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation District (AMID) which has developed around the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) and is occupied by highend industrial operators such as Boeing and McClaren.

A Land Supply review carried out by Aspinall Verdi consultants in 2022 identifies a geographic cluster for expansion at Templeborough and the opportunity for growth presented by the arrival of a new Mainline Rail Station "must be capitalised upon and the creation of a new industrial growth zone spanning a corridor between Eastwood and Aldwarke must be investigated and maximised."

The document states: "After years of under investment and declining economy the Council’s ambition and drive is now reaping success, the Council has been recognised as the Most Improved in 2022 and alongside its partners has successfully secured over £120m of investment in the Borough’s economy, people and infrastructure.

"However this investment arrives during difficult and changing times, rising costs and a reducing workforce impacts on business sustainability, the ability to deliver capital projects and surety over long-term economic future. The scale of Rotherham’s ambition in the context of current market conditions leads to an approach to investment which will bring focus to delivering current objectives. New investment will complement existing investment, retaining focus on priorities and delivering on promises. Rotherham’s place-based investment strategy will therefore be time bound and this first iteration focusses on investment to 2025.

"At the same time the Council and its partners remain ambitious and continue to plan for sustainable and continued growth, planning for 2025 and beyond and moving to public/private partnership approaches which will see less reliance on public sector interventions."

The strategy is due to go before the Council's cabinet later this month.

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News: Rotherham Council acquires former Wilkos store

Another large empty retail store in the town centre is in the ownership of Rotherham Council and is set to be demolished.

Rothbiz revealed last month that the authority had applied to knock down the former Wilkinson's Store on Corporation Street and that the site had been earmarked as the potential location for a new theatre.

The move mirrors that on High Street when the council acquired the empty former Primark store in 2020 so that it could be demolished to make way for a temporary pocket park before a potential longer term use for new housing. The delayed park remains unfinished.

Regeneration plans are coming together for the Corporation Street area of town where the Council wants to see the Leisure & Cultural Quarter extended from the Forge Island scheme where work recently got underway.

The 20,423 sq ft property was vacated by the value general merchandise retailer at the start of 2022. It sits alongside the former Riverside Precinct and Chantry Buildings - again acquired and demolished by the council as part of regerenation works - and the former Mecca Bingo, another authority acquisition "that will contribute to the further regeneration of the Leisure & Cultural Quarter."

The price paid by the authority has not been disclosed. The lot was sold prior to going to auction in September 2022 where it was given a guide price of £350,000+.

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For the former Wilkos, council planners have now approved the method of demolition and restoration of the site.

A planning report confirms that the property is in the Council’s ownership and states: "The application proposes the demolition of the building to facilitate the future redevelopment of the site as part of the Council’s Town Centre Regeneration aspirations. It is envisaged that the demolition of the building will enhance the Cultural & Leisure Quarter, which is currently being built at Forge Island and this site has been earmarked as the preferred option for a new theatre.

"The demolition of the building and remediation of the site is viewed as enabling works for this future redevelopment. In the short term it would allow the site to be used as a compound for the main construction works in this locality coming forward in 2023/24.

"The current proposed restoration of the site is considered acceptable as it will allow for the site to be used in the future for development to meet the Council’s Town Centre Regeneration aspirations."

Early draft plans for the wider Corporation Street area produced for the Council and illustrative only, appear to show a single building on the site, hinting at the Grade II listed former bingo hall and cinema being extended along Corporation Street.

This potential sizeable new theatre building would extend to the new open area called "Millgate Place" being created as part of the Forge Island development which includes a new footbridge and 1,500 sq ft café.

Rothbiz has previously reported on the council's considerations for a new theatre and arts space in Rotherham town centre.

The draft plans also show a separate smaller building on the bingo hall's car park.

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News: Council identifies site for new theatre in Rotherham town centre

Another large empty retail store in the town centre could be demolished by Rotherham Council after the site was earmarked as the potential location for a new theatre.

Regeneration plans are coming together for the Corporation Street area of town where the Council wants to see the Leisure & Cultural Quarter extended from the Forge Island scheme where work recently got underway.

Muse Developments, with Bowmer & Kirkland as contractor and funded by the council, is bringing a state-of-the-art cinema, 69 room hotel, and six restaurants to Forge Island.

Under the Council's ownership, the Riverside Precinct and Chantry Buildings have already been demolished to make way for an open space between Forge Island and Minster Gardens. Now the large plot next door is in the sights of the wrecking ball.

A planning application has been submitted to determine whether prior approval is required for the method of demolition and restoration of the site relating to the demolition of the former Wilkinson's Store.

The 20,423 sq ft property was vacated by the value general merchandise retailer at the start of 2022.

The plans are from Rotherham Council, a hint that the authority has bought the property. They state: "The demolition of the former Wilkinson's store will provide the Council with the opportunity to enhance its Cultural & Leisure Quarter, building on from Forge Island this site in the longer term has been identified as the preferred option for a new theatre in the town centre.

"The demolition [of] 4 Corporation Street and remediation of the site is viewed as enabling works for this future redevelopment. In the short term it would also allow the site to be used as a compound for the main construction works in this locality coming forward in 23/24."

Rothbiz has previously reported on the council's considerations for a new theatre and arts space in Rotherham town centre.

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In recent weeks Rothbiz has discussed the plans for the area including a revamp of the former NatWest bank into 16 new residential properties and 12,300 sq ft of commercial space.

Riverside Gardens is also planned for the area - a new area of public realm.

Rothbiz also revealed last month that Rotherham Council had bought the former Mecca Bingo, "that will contribute to the further regeneration of the Leisure & Cultural Quarter." The Grade II listed building sits alongside the former Wilkos.

With 25,833 sq ft of space over three floors, the art deco building includes a main floor with a stage and tiered seating, currently set up as a bingo hall having previously been a cinema. The upper floor includes a bar and lounge.

The council is also aiming to acquire the burnt out buildings on the opposite side of Corporation Street and has drafted up plans for further residential and commercial space here.

To connect the development sites in the area, it is also expected that investment will be made in infrastructure and making it more pedestrian friendly.

On the plans for NatWest, Riverside Gardens and the burnt out buildings, Tim O'Connell, Head of RiDO, the regeneration arm of Rotherham Council, told councillors last week: "They are all looking to be done by 2025 for these so there's quite a bit of activity to happen at the same time. So, to be fair, there will be disruption in that area of town, but disruption to try and deliver positive change that I think is much needed."

On historic buildings in the area, O'Connell added: "We've acquired also, the former Regal cinema at the bottom of Corporation Street, there's development happening around there. I think for the Chapel on the Bridge and investment that may happen around the Minster, I think there's potential.

"Leisure and culture at the moment is very much focused on eating and drinking but I think leisure and culture is broader than that and I think Chapel on the Bridge has an important role and I would hope, and I would expect, that through the next phase of proposals that we would want to bring forward for the town centre, that the setting for the Chapel on the Bridge, or how we might integrate that more effectively into the town centre, would be part of that."

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News: Rotherham theatre prepares for reopening night

There has been a change of scenery at Rotherham Civic Theatre as a £200,000 revamp enters its final act.

Rotherham Civic Theatre has not traded since March 2020 due to Covid restrictions and is set to reopen in September.

Operators, Rotherham Council took the difficult decision to close the facility for the entire financial year but secured financial backing from the Government's £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund. £55,272 from the second round adds to the £131,644 secured from the first round of the Arts Council England administered fund.

The Council contracted Pacy & Wheatley Ltd on a £227,856.54 tender to carry out a refurbishment of the front of house and bar areas at the building on Catherine Street in the town centre.

Accommodating a range of touring and local musical, comedy and theatrical performances, the converted church was purchased by the Council prior to being converted into a theatre in 1960.

Jo Longwith, manager at Rotherham Theatres, said: "We took the opportunity to get work done with the intention that we were going to reopen as soon as we could. That kept moving further and further away and in the end we decided to take the opportunity to try and open in September of 2021 hoping that all restrictions are then lifted, but in that time, hope that we could get some work done in order to welcome the audiences back."

Damien Gwatkin, operations manager at the Civic, added: "It will help us and it will help the customers because the customers will have a better visitor experience. They’ll come in, they’ll see that there’s less queuing, there’s more open spaces, it’s more inviting. It will be easier for us. In a busy interval you’ve got 15 minute turn around, you’ve go to serve 356 people. Hopefully the changes that we have made will expedite that and everybody gets served in enough time, everybody gets some drinks and it’s just a more welcoming space."

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Local singer and songwriter, Lauren Housley, is the first scheduled show in September. Lauren, said: "I am completely buzzing to announce that I will be playing an actual LIVE live show in my hometown. We are playing the official re-launch of the Rotherham Civic Theatre and their first show since March 2020.

"[Recently released album] Girl From The North was written and recorded in our studio in Rotherham town centre, just five minutes walk from the theatre, so it feels like a full circle coming back and playing this album in this theatre with the full band! I think we all need this after the year we’ve had."

The revamp also gives operators more flexibility around what the building can host in the future. Leanne Buchan, head of creative partnerships and engagement at Rotherham Council, said: "I think this was about opening up the spaces and being more flexible so we’ve got 356 seats auditorium, and that’s brilliant, but it means that we can only take certain shows of a certain scale.

"The spaces that we’ve created in the bar and the new kind of performance area in the coffee shop mean that we’ve just got that bit of flexibility. So the one in the coffee shop is sort of 30 to 35 audience size and it’s a really flexible space you can show films on there. You can do puppet shows on there.

"It opens up the opportunity to do schools programmes that we’ve not really had before outside of panto and the one in the bar is a much more flexible and informal space so we can do things like comedy nights in there. We can do open mike nights in there. So on those nights when we don’t have a show in the auditorium it means that we can still have activities happening in the theatre."

Rotherham Theatres website

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News: How the council is spending Covid cash to support Rotherham economy

As part of a comprehensive £5m Covid recovery package, Rotherham Council is planning a number of interventions designed to support the local economy.

The wide ranging proposals include new measures to support children and young people with mental health and catching-up with lost learning, adults who are shielding or isolating, reskilling people whose jobs have been impacted and help for the homeless.

Money has come from the Government's Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) which was set up to provide funding to local authorities in England to help reduce the spread of coronavirus and support local public health. A remaining pot of £3.357m is to continue to help reduce the spread of Covid-19 and support public health activities.

In total, £83.7m of business support grants have been delivered by the Council to over 5,000 businesses (many businesses have been able to access support through multiple schemes), but one key strand for the latest fund is support for people made redundant to reskill to improve employment chances.

A report to the council's cabinet said: "The closing of certain sectors of the economy has meant furlough for a significant number of residents, unemployment or loss of livelihood, all bringing with them reduced incomes and impacts on family budgets. For many those impacts will not yet be felt in full, with protections through furlough and until recently, the stay on evictions meaning the full impacts are still to come both for individuals and the wider economy.

"The hospitality industry and night-time conomy have been particularly hard hit along with leisure and tourism, the arts and the voluntary sector. Despite furlough and business support grants some businesses and organisations will not re-open. Others will remain sustainable in the long-term but may have had to take on debts which will impact profitability for years to come."

Nearly 44,000 workers in Rotherham have been furloughed during the pandemic.

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£339,658 has been earmarked to boost the Council's team that currently delivers advice and support to unemployed and economically inactive residents through the match funded European Social Fund (ESF) Pathways Project. Skills and training could then be offered to people threatened with redundancy, people on furlough, people working reduced hours, people whose skill set is no longer in demand due to the pandemic and people within the gig economy affected by Covid-19.

A wraparound support service also works to help remove the barriers to employment such as debt/childcare issues etc.

Rotherham Council has also recieved £471,755 under the Government's Reopening the High Street Safely and Welcome Back Funds which aim to help local authorities support their local high streets get safely back to business, boost tourism, improve green spaces and provide more outdoor seating areas, markets and food stall pop-ups.

Rotherham Council's proposed activities for this funding includes:
- Events equipment to assist with safe distancing of crowds/visitors
- Support to develop a website promoting cultural attractions
- An events programme including town centre
- Markets signage, pavement vinyls, window vinyls for empty shops
- A new Saturday Market in Wath to attract footfall into the town centre
- Pop-up space for new small businesses and business support through RiDO
- Rotherham in Bloom campaign in the town centre
- Information Officers to work with retail and hospitality businesses
- Planters and external signage for Rotherham Civic Theatre
- Improvements to paths at Thrybergh Country to ensure accessible
- Outdoor furniture in high streets and green spaces
- Canopies to enable outdoor dining / events at Clifton Park and Rother Valley
- Street lighting banners with ‘Welcome Back’ and other key messages
- Promote Great Rotherham To Do List in support of reopening of the borough
- The Rotherham Show ‘Welcome Back’ programme and safety measures
- Christmas programme supporting animation of high streets & town centre
- Develop a befriending scheme to support those finding it difficult to go out
- Business intelligence from the retail and hospitality sector

Cllr. Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, said: “The Covid pandemic is not over yet but we know that even when it is, the damage it has wreaked will be felt by the people of Rotherham for many years to come – whether that’s through the loss of loved ones, impact on physical and mental health, financial problems, redundancy or impact on life chances.

“Phase one of our recovery plan for Rotherham aims to provide the support many people of all ages will need to reset, recover and restart over the next seven months. With so many people impacted by Covid, we have to be careful to target it at people with the most pressing needs – including children and young people, homeless people, people who care for others, people who have lost their jobs and people suffering mental health problems.

“This is the start of a long road to recovery and there is still more we have to do – as a Council and a community – to deal with the on-going impact and legacy of Covid-19 on our residents.”

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News: Council considering new theatre and arts space in Rotherham town centre

Early scripts are being drafted for a potential new theatre, and a centre for performing arts, to improve the leisure and cultural offer in Rotherham town centre.

Rotherham Civic Theatre is currently undergoing a refurbishment of the front of house and bar areas before it reopens in the Autumn 2021. The former arts centre was demolished to make way for the Tesco store on Drummond Street and never replaced.

The Town Centre Masterplan made clear that retail is not the answer as the focus shifts to other town centre uses such as leisure and housing.

Whilst the masterplan, adopted in 2017, said that the Forge Island project "might also include a new theatre and arts centre," the proposals for the key site included a hotel and cinema with restaurants, but did not include a new theatre.

The masterplan stated that a feasability study was required as there was a window of opportunity to progress a theatre and arts centre on the Magistrates Court site. A cgi was even mocked up (above) but this site appears to be being readied for housing as part of the later phases of the Forge island scheme.

Now the council is looking to undertake such a study, allocating funding and putting out a tender to engage with consultants.

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Rotherham Council is expected to use some of its Gainshare emergency recovery grant for the work. A £1.08m grant came from the Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority in support of Covid economic recovery efforts.

Tender documents also show that new arts space is also on the drawing board.

With a value of up to £150,000, the tender documents state what is required: "A multi-disciplinary programme team to develop a feasibility study and final report for the details design of a new Centre for Performing Arts in Rotherham Town Centre. The feasibility study will focus on the appropriate mix of uses for the venue, an options appraisal and recommendation for the most suitable location; an outline brief for the final detailed design; a programme of consultation; and estimated budgets."

Funding for a new theatre and/or arts space will need to be found. The Council's plans for using the £40m+ via the Future High Street Fund and Town Deal did not include new capital investment for either.

The Civic Theatre accommodates a range of touring and local musical, comedy and theatrical performances. The building on Catherine Street is a converted church and was purchased by the Council in 1960.

£540,000 was allocated by the authority in 2012 to carry out much-needed repairs and refurbishment of both the interior and exterior of the building. The works were expected to bring the theatre up to a condition which would give a further ten years life.

The authority secured grants £55,272 and £131,644 from the Arts Council England administered Culture Recovery Fund to support operations through the Covid pandemic. The Civic has not traded since March 2020 due to Covid restrictions.

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News: Funding boost for Rotherham Theatres but reopening delayed

Rotherham Theatres has secured a further £55,272 but any reopening is unlikely to be until the Autumn 2021.

Rotherham Civic Theatre has not traded since March 2020 due to Covid restrictions and was hoping to reopen in the Spring.

Social distancing rules effectively meant that the auditorium could only accommodate 10% of its usual capacity, so reopening would not be viable and would not offer the quality of experience usually experienced by audiences.

Instead, operators, Rotherham Council took the difficult decision to close the facility for the entire financial year.

The closure, and loss of associated income, has led to a £453k pressure on Council budgets, but funding has been secured from the Government's £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund. £55,272 from the second round adds to the £131,644 secured from the first round of the Arts Council England administered fund.

The Council is now set to carry out a refurbishment of the front of house and bar areas at the Civic.

The theatre accommodates a range of touring and local musical, comedy and theatrical performances. The building on Catherine Street in the town centre is a converted church and was purchased by the Council prior to being converted into a theatre in 1960.

£540,000 was allocated by the authority in 2012 to carry out much-needed repairs and refurbishment of both the interior and exterior of the building. The works were expected to bring the theatre up to a condition which would give a further ten years life.

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An update to councillors said: "Rotherham Civic Theatre has not traded since March 2020 due to the restrictions applied to performing arts venues. During this time the service has hosted a number of online programmes including a monthly comedy club in partnership with ten other venues across the country and a social media pantomime which spanned well known landmarks and venues across the borough.

"In October 2020 the theatre secured £131,644 from the Arts Council England administered Culture Recovery Fund. The funding has enabled the service to retain its core staff team, invest in research & development and CPD [Continuing Professional Development] for the team to create new delivery models with a greater focus on outreach, engagement and learning.

"The theatre is not expected to open until Autumn 2021 as current government regulation has not allowed for companies to rehearse and strict guidance relating to performance venues remains in place. Over the next seven months there will be a programme of refurbishment for the front of house areas in the theatre ensuring that the venue offers a high-quality welcome to residents when restrictions are lifted."

The Council budget has also promised a price freeze at the theatre to encourage return of custom following Covid forced closure.

The Visitors’ Centre within the Makers' Emporium on the High Street has also remained closed for much of the pandemic and will reopen alongside government guidelines in Spring/Summer 2021. The Council said that: "Its location and offer are not focussed on tourism and the relocation of the box office back to the theatre will diminish footfall. A review will be undertaken in 2021 to consider alternative proposals, including an online alternative and ultimately a presence at the new library complex."

A new library is planned alongside a revamped markets.

Rotherham Theatres website

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News: Funding lifeline for Rotherham attractions

Rotherham-based attractions are set to receive a lifesaving financial boost from the government thanks to the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help them through the coronavirus pandemic.

Magna and Wentworth Woodhouse are two out of 445 organisations will share £103m to help restart vital repair and maintenance work on cherished heritage sites, to keep venues open and to save jobs and livelihoods.

The Culture Recovery Fund is designed to secure the future of Britain’s museums, galleries, theatres, independent cinemas, heritage sites and music venues with emergency grants and loans.

433 organisations will receive a share of £67m from the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage to help with costs for operating, reopening and recovery.

The Magna Trust, the charity that operates Magna Science Adventure Centre at Templeborough, has been awarded £310,000.

Set in the former Templeborough steelworks, Magna is a family attraction with more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Millions of pounds have been invested in conference facilities at the centre.

The attraction only re-opened in July having been closed since March – missing out on the busy summer period, and unable to host high profile events. It closed again in September and is due to reopen for half term.

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Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust Ltd has been awarded £468,300.

While the gardens have been open, the house has been closed since March, when lockdown came into force.

But the Preservation Trust which owns the Grade I listed Rotherham stately home is now able to welcome visitors back in safety.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “As a nation it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past. This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations, save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounceback post covid.”

Rotherham literacy charity, Grimm & Co, has secured £86,000 from the first round of the Culture Recovery Fund via Arts Council England.

The pandemic has seen reduced donations and the lockdown also forced an earlier than planned premises move, which meant closure of the physical gift shop, ‘Grimm’s Apothecary to the Magical’ – moving this retail offer totally online.

Deborah Bullivant, Founding Chief Executive at Grimm & Co, said: “Securing this fund means our survival is safeguarded over the dark, winter months ahead. This means we can plan ahead, we can re-engage our wonderful freelance artists, our team is secure. We are so excited that we will now be able to deliver an enchanting programme of activities, in so many safe and exciting ways, to reach those communities where we can make the greatest difference."

Rotherham Theatres, closed since March, has been awarded £131,644 from the same fund.

Rothbiz reported that the operation has lost an estimated £500,000 in income in July due to the coronavirus outbreak and is scheduled to reopen in Spring 2021.

Images: Magna

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News: Culture, arts and heritage can help recovery from Covid-19 in South Yorkshire

A report into the value of culture, arts and heritage in South Yorkshire has concluded the sector has an important role to play in the recovery from Covid-19.

"Unlocking the potential of culture, arts and heritage in South Yorkshire" concludes that the sector can respond quickly, bring communities together, support education and boost mental wellbeing; all factors that could help over the next few months.

And in "normal times" the research, which was commissioned by the four South Yorkshire councils before the lockdown, says culture, arts and heritage bring a wide range of social and economic benefits; contributing £200m to the local economy, supporting 6,500 jobs and wider benefits including tourism, creative industries, health, education, community and individual wellbeing. These contribute at least a further £170m to the local economy and £1.2bn in individual wellbeing.

The report was supported by the Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority and managed by Great Place Wentworth & Elsecar, a cultural programme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.

Rachel Blake, programme manager at Great Place Wentworth & Elsecar, said: "We have a strong heritage and cultural offer with enormous potential to deliver economic and social benefits, which is even more important in a post-Covid world.

"This report gives us some very useful pointers in how to unlock that potential for the benefit of everyone in the region."

The research was carried out by ChamberlainWalker Economics, which has worked on several high-profile projects, including the Piece Hall in Halifax which brings millions into Calderdale's economy each year.

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The researchers found that public funding for the sector in South Yorkshire was significantly lower than the national average. Having a more co-ordinated approach to bidding for national grants and even just increasing those to the national average would bring another £9.5m to the region each year.

The recommendations of the report also include drafting a city region-wide strategy for culture, arts and heritage; appointing an arts and culture lead, and investing in nature and landscapes, museums, theatre and historic buildings and monuments, as these would offer the best economic returns.

Rotherham drafted its own cultural strategy last year.

Dan Jarvis, Sheffield City Region Mayor, said: "Our region is home to nationally-significant cultural assets, including galleries, museums, music venues and a host of tourist attractions and festivals. I have long believed that the sectors these represent are not just vital for our economy but for our character and our spirit as a region and as a nation.

"These sectors are not a luxury; they are a vital part of the region’s recovery and renewal, contributing to healthy and sustainable communities, strong local identities, and vibrant places, as well as to our economic recovery. There is a real opportunity now to level up the North, to invest in our communities and to build a stronger, greener and fairer South Yorkshire – and culture, arts and heritage must be central to that."

Recommended reading: Inside the GZone Tour

Andrew Denniff, chief executive of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said he welcomed the report. He said: "Many of us in business recognise the relevance of the arts to business and the wider economy. As well as creating jobs, a thriving cultural sector helps retain and attract people to an area and helps to develop that "feel good factor" we all need. It will prove to be a key part of the region's economy as South Yorkshire recovers from the effects of the lockdown."

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News: Rotherham Theatres to re-open next year

Rotherham Theatres are set to stage a comeback in 2021.

Rothbiz reported earlier this month that the operation has lost an estimated £500,000 in income so far due to the coronavirus outbreak but Rotherham Council has not considered closing the 60 year old town centre venue.

Rotherham Council has instead made the difficult decision to postpone the re-opening of Rotherham Civic Theatre until Spring 2021, but is reassuring staff and visitors that the theatre’s doors will reopen again once the Coronavirus pandemic is over.

The current government guidance places strict social distancing rules on theatres and performing arts venues for future stages of recovery. Social distancing for venues like the theatre is therefore expected to continue for some time, potentially even into the New Year.

This effectively means the auditorium can only accommodate 10% of its usual capacity, so reopening at this time would not be viable and would not offer the quality of experience usually experienced by audiences. Any short term changes in the rules would affect what performances could or could not take place, making it impossible to guarantee a programme of events.

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Rotherham Council’s Head of Creative Programming and Engagement Leanne Buchan said: “We remain committed to offering a quality theatre experience, but our priority for now continues to be the safety of the staff, audiences and guest performers, as the theatre team continue to explore other ways of providing the moments of community, joy and hope that we know theatre brings.”

Although this means the much-loved pantomime Aladdin will be postponed, the theatre team are working with panto producers Imagine Theatre to take the popular Christmas tradition out into communities in different ways, featuring an exciting magic box of tricks and wizardry along with a few surprise guest appearances up our puffed sleeves.

While it may not be the theatre audiences know and love, Rotherham Council will continue to work hard to ensure as many residents as possible in Rotherham have access to theatre. The theatre team will also be working on developing new programmes for the time when people are able to be together again.Customers who have purchased tickets for shows will be contacted by the theatre over the coming weeks, so we ask that customers be patient during this time and not contact the Box Office if possible.

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News: Closing Rotherham Civic Theatre "not even being considered"

Rotherham Theatres has lost an estimated £500,000 in income so far due to the coronavirus outbreak but Rotherham Council has not considered closing the 60 year old town centre venue.

Income from theatres ceased almost immediately and a number of privately run venues across the country have had to close.

A £1.57 billion support package was announced earlier this month that will enable organisations across a range of sectors, including the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema, to access emergency grants and loans.

Rotherham Council's Regeneration and Environment Directorate has seen a £5.5m hit relating to lost income from things like theatres, country parks, markets and parking. Culture Sport and Tourism has been severely impacted by the temporary closure of facilities. A full year loss of £1m is being forecast in respect of leisure facilities with the loss of income from Green Spaces expected to be £1.4m and from Theatres, £0.5m.

A Council cabinet paper, said: "Temporary closures of parks and all other leisure sites for all of spring and into the summer has prevented any trading activities taking place. Forecasts assume an extended period of much lower income resulting in a forecast pressure of £0.8m but the final figure will be entirely dependent upon the speed and extent of the trading recovery when facilities reopen. An additional £0.5m pressure within Theatres is expected after the site closed."

You can donate to support the theatre here.

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Earlier this month, operators announced that Sheffield City Hall and Sheffield FlyDSA Arena are being mothballed and that all staff are being put at risk of redundancy.

In response to the news, Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, said on social media: "I'm as confident as I can be at this point that the civic won't close as a result of covid-19. We're not even considering that. (If in the end we run out of money then all bets are off, but we're not there yet!)"

Government support includes a £1.15 billion pot for cultural organisations in England delivered through a mix of grants and loans.

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer said: "Our world-renowned galleries, museums, heritage sites, music venues and independent cinemas are not only critical to keeping our economy thriving, employing more than 700,000 people, they're the lifeblood of British culture.

"That's why we're giving them the vital cash they need to safeguard their survival, helping to protect jobs and ensuring that they can continue to provide the sights and sounds that Britain is famous for."

A five stage phased return to professional performing arts is in place and we are at the stage where performing arts can now take place outdoors.

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News: SCR calls for ideas for £15m cultural fund

Creative and innovative projects that can tap into a new Government fund are being sought in the Sheffield city region (SCR).

Last month saw the launch of the Northern Cultural Regeneration Fund and the SCR's local enterprise partnership (LEP) is searching for projects having been asked by the Government to co-ordinate proposals locally.

The £15m is to help build a lasting regional legacy from the Great Exhibition of the North next year. The fund will make grants of up to £4m for major cultural and tech projects to be included in the exhibition, helping pave the way for future investment in the Northern Powerhouse.

The Great Exhibition, in Newcastle from next June to September, is set to be the biggest event in England in 2018. It will showcase world-class art, culture, design and innovation from the North.

It will demonstrate to the world how the North of England's great art and culture, design and innovation has shaped our lives and is building the economy of tomorrow.

Projects could include opening a new tech start-up centre or renovating live music venues and should increase opportunities for people to experience, benefit and contribute to culture and creativity.

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Sir Nigel Knowles, chair of the SCR LEP, said: "This fund can make a huge contribution to the cultural and creative offer of the city region.

"We're a region blessed with outstanding creative and cultural talent and are quite rightly recognised for the contribution this sector makes to the economy and our communities.

"But we're also a city region that doesn't have some of the iconic physical cultural and creative assets that other parts of the country boast – which means the talent and the opportunity that abounds here don't always play as central a role as they could do.

"This fund can help us develop some of those assets. We're entirely open to ideas from across the city region – and the LEP Board looks forward to considering the proposals that come forward."

The latest Rotherham town centre masterplan includes the potential development of an arts centre and theatre on the soon-to-be cleared site of the Law Courts. It could incorporate cafe / restaurant and creative / business space and a 500 seat theatre and studio theatre. The Council is being called upon to investigate feasibility and funding.

SCR LEP website

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