rotherham business news

News: Where next in Rotherham for McDonald's?

2026-06-09T11:01:32.559+01:00

Early stage plans are being prepared for a new development on the edge of a town in Rotherham, featuring a new petrol station, McDonald's restaurant and a drive thru coffee shop.

The most recent McDonald's in Rotherham opened in Dinnington last year, creating 70 full time equivalent jobs.

Now a planning enquiry has been made to Rotherham Council regarding an unused piece of land close to Wath town centre.

Feasability plans from Valli Forecourts show a mixed-use development comprising a Petrol Filling Station (PFS), a drive-thru coffee shop and a drive-thru restaurant on land adjacent to the A633 Station Road near Wath roundabout.

On the opposite side of the road to the recreation ground, and backing on to the Cross Keys pub, the brownfield site is currently occupied by a Cadent gas works and undeveloped land, bounded to the north by commercial uses and undeveloped land to the east and south.

The plans, seen by Rothbiz, are for the construction of a twelve filling bay PFS, ancillary retail kiosk and associated parking provision, including six-bay Electric Vehicle (EV) charging hub, as well as jet washing bays and rollover car wash.

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The proposals would also see the provision of a 3,300 sq ft drive-thru restaurant to the east of the site (identified on plans as a McDonald's), and a 2,150 sq ft drive-thru coffee shop to the south of the site (an operator is not shown on the plans). Separate dedicated parking provisions would be included within each plot.

The proposals would see a new access constructed into the site off Station Road, to the northwest of the site, including a new pedestrian refuge island.

The land is part of a much larger area designated as Industrial & Business Use in the borough's local plan.

Rotherham Council planners recommended that the planning board reject the Dinnington proposals stating that: "by virtue of its range and quality of employment opportunities, it has little positive contribution to the borough and would not meet the criteria [for industrial use]."

Planning permission was approved when the planning board at Rotherham Council went against the recommendation of officers.

Valli Forecourts website

Images: McDonald's / Google Maps

News: Rotherham engineering firm acquired

2026-06-09T10:47:36.461+01:00

Mechanical engineering specialist Fluid Sealing & Engineering (FSE) has been acquired by RSK.

Based at Parkgate, FSE was established in 1986 and works across the UK for water authorities and other industries, specialising in the supply and installation of pipework and process equipment.

Chesire-based RSK has already executed one of the most successful buy and build strategies in the environmental services sector, bringing together more than 200 businesses and more than 17,000 talented employees.

RSK said that the deal, for an undisclosed sum, would enhance the group’s water sector expertise with the business’s extensive experience in wastewater and water treatment infrastructure.

The FSE business specialises in the supply and installation of integrated mechanical systems encompassing design, off-site fabrication and on-site installation of complex fluid conveyance and pumping infrastructure within live water and wastewater treatment assets. This includes the associated structural and access steelwork that enables FSE to deliver single-package mechanical solutions.

The business operates within various water industry and national specifications – Water Industry Mechanical and Electrical Specifications (WIMES), individual water company specifications and British Standards – and holds a comprehensive suite of industry accreditations, including ISO 9001, Achilles UVDB, UKAS product certification and SSIP Worksafe.

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FSE Managing Director Lee Sanderson, who will continue to lead the business, said: “Joining the RSK Group marks a pivotal milestone in FSE’s 40-year history. Since our founding in 1986, we have taken great pride in delivering complex mechanical engineering solutions for the UK’s most critical infrastructure, and finding a partner that shares our deep-rooted commitment to safety and long-term client relationships was paramount.

“This acquisition comes at a defining moment for the water industry. Now that we are in the AMP8 cycle, the scale of investment required to modernise wastewater and water treatment assets is unprecedented. FSE is now uniquely positioned to meet this demand. With the backing of RSK, we have the enhanced capacity and resources to scale our operations, driving significant growth while continuing to support our core water authority partners and Tier 1 contractors.

“Our mission remains the same: to provide the technical excellence FSE is known for, now with the global strength of RSK behind us.”

RSK Group Chief Executive Officer Alan Ryder added: “RSK is proud of its ongoing contribution to the UK water industry, made possible by the integrated, multidisciplinary skills of colleagues across RSK businesses working together in this crucial sector. Our work to help advance water sector infrastructure development continues at pace, supported by businesses such as FSE, which bring strong regulatory credentials and clear alignment with AMP8 demand. RSK Group and FSE share a strong safety culture and a commitment to long-standing client relationships, which is extremely important to me, and I am very pleased to welcome our new colleagues onboard.”

FSE has a client base that includes Laing O’Rourke, Kier, Tilbury Douglas, JN Bentley, Murphy Group, Alfa Laval, Galliford Try, C2V, Esh Construction and GSE. FSE has also worked with the RSK Group business MWH Treatment.

Water sector clients include Scottish Water, Northumbrian Water, United Utilities, Yorkshire Water, Southern Water, Severn Trent Water, Thames Water, South West Water and Jersey Water.

Fluid Sealing & Engineering website
RSK website

Images: RSK

News: Capital&Centric awarded £100m Rotherham regeneration contract

2026-06-06T12:15:37.578+01:00

Leading social impact developer Capital&Centric, is set to play a key role in delivering "high quality, legacy developments" in Rotherham town centre.

Rothbiz reported in March that Rotherham Council was appointing a private sector developer for the next phase of large scale house-building in the town centre.

The contract, which could reach up to £100m in value, has been awarded to Capital&Centric.

The Manchester company specialises in unlocking and transforming "unloved" brownfield sites into vibrant, design-led neighbourhoods. It is currently working on £2bn of development across commercial, residential, hotel and leisure sectors. In neighbouring Sheffield it has secured millions to progress plans at the Cannon Brewery site.

Rothbiz reported last month on John Moffat, joint managing director of Capital&Centric taking part in a panel at UKREiiF – The UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum, which was entitled: "Next Stop Rotherham - The Gateway To The Future."

In Rotherham town centre, the first phase of the contract will involve the creation of Strategic Regeneration Plans which will then be used to identify the methodology to bring various council-owned sites forward.

The sites include:

- the cleared site of the burnt-out buildings on Corporation Street
- Snail Yard - the cleared site of the former Primark store on High Street, currently a small pocket park
- The Statutes - the cleared site of the former Magistrates Court, currently used as a car park
- two sites along Sheffield Road in the area designated as Riverside Residential.

To be completed by next month, the contract for stage one is worth £397,442.

The second phase involves the creation of full business cases for each site and stage three is the actual development.

Tender documents show that a total estimated contract value across all stages is given at £100,000,000 but add "however this final sum will be determined as approvals to progress into Stages 2 and 3 are agreed." A total contract duration at this stage is not yet known and will also be determined by the first two stages.

Tender documents state: "This arrangement relates to the appointment of an experienced developer to work in partnership to accelerate the development of key town centre sites in the pursuance of the physical, social and economic regeneration of Rotherham town centre. The chosen partner will be expected to bring a commercial skill set, excellent track record and innovative concept and vision to enable the development of these strategic sites at pace.

"The partner requires a strong track record of working in similar locations and share the Council's vision to create a legacy of high-quality mixed-use developments. This will mean a commitment to creating communities, not just homes and demonstrable evidence of embedding a social value approach in all activity to ensure local people and businesses will benefit from this investment."

Earlier this year, the Government announced a £2.3bn City Investment Fund that will bring together different types of finance, deployed flexibly to accelerate projects, expand city-centre housing and office markets, and support major regeneration schemes across the North. Documents show that it is expected to be used in "developing projects in the Don Valley Corridor, Sheffield city centre Innovation Spine, and Rotherham Town Centre."

South Yorkshire has also secured £85m from a new City Densification Fund.

The projects stem from the Rotherham town centre masterplan of 2017 which 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, 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 aim is "to bring forward new development, diversify the town centre offer and establish a new residential community" with the latest plans leading "to the development of a pipeline of detailed and deliverable schemes which align with market demand and secure the Council’s ambitions for high quality, legacy developments."

Rothbiz reported in 2024 on the potential sites and funding for redevelopment. The Council's 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. However, a previous tender exercise for the £6m scheme on Corporation Street received no interest, likely due to the smaller size of the scheme.

Capital & Centric website

Images: RMBC / ESH

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

2026-06-05T15:33:24.537+01:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Let’s build Rotherham back up again."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rotherham Markets website

Images: Henry Boot / RMBC

News: Riverside Gardens takes shape in Rotherham town centre

2026-06-05T10:36:20.014+01:00

A transformational project is taking shape to create new public space near to Forge Island in Rotherham town centre.

A Rotherham Council scheme that has secured external government funding, work got underway last year on Riverside Gardens alongside improvements on Corporation Street.

Planning permission was approved in 2023 for a scheme using a mixture of soft and hard landscaping to create a gateway on an area extending from the demolished Riverside Precinct, covering the old abattoir site behind Market Street and passing the Old Market, Keppel Wharf and Westgate Chambers residential developments.

C R Reynolds is leading on the work which has a total budget of £8,425,749 in the council's capital programme. G & F Formwork Ltd has been on site recently creating the complex retaining walls as part of the design.

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Cllr. John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, said: "This is a big regeneration scheme that’s going to transform what was a previously underused area right beside the River Don, and we’re going to provide a new public garden and open space for visitors, shoppers, and residents to enjoy right here in the town centre.

"It’s a really exciting project. So what you’re going to see here is a brand new riverside walkway giving you new views overlooking the River Don and over to Forge Island. Throughout the site there’s going to be new planting, new seating, there’s going to be a children’s play area right at the top as well.

"The Riverside Gardens project is really important because regeneration isn’t just about big new buildings and infrastructure, it’s about improving and creating new public spaces for people to use and enjoy. So this new riverside walkway and public gardens is going to be here for visitors, for shoppers, for workers, for people who live and use the town centre to come and enjoy the new riverside views, to have better links to Forge Island and the rest of the town centre. And it’s just a really exciting example of the transformation that’s taking place across Rotherham town centre."

The 2017 town centre masterplan had the old abattoir site earmarked for a residential development in excess of 60 apartments. Housing plans here were also included in the 2020 hybrid planning application for Forge Island with developers including outline plans for later phases such as 50 riverside residential units on the abattoir site on the opposite side of the River Don to the cinema and hotel.

Images: Tom Austen

News: Demolition plan for Enterprise Zone offices

2026-06-05T10:01:02.824+01:00

There is no doubt that a Enterprise Zone designation has been transformational for the Wath and Manvers area of Rotherham but decades on and some of the commercial property seems no longer fit for a 21st century economy.

The Cyan Building, previously used by a major bank, is being lined up for demolition.

NatWest took on the large office building at Adwick Park in Manvers in 2007 when RBS Group plc, now known as NatWest Group plc, moved their Lombard business across Rotherham. NatWest moved to nearby Callflex Business Park last year and the previous building went up for sale.

A sale was recently concluded by agents at Knight Frank.

Particulars for the four acre site read: "The site is currently occupied by a 68,000 sq ft office building, formerly occupied by Natwest. The building is now available with vacant possession, with intentions to demolish the building, leaving a cleared site for the next owner.

"This will present a significant opportunity for industrial redevelopment or industrial open storage use, subject to planning."

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Local speculative commercial property developer, EV Waddington Ltd, recently submitted a planning application regarding the building with Rotherham Council approving the method of demolition.

Plans for what might replace the Cyan Building have not yet been submitted.

South Yorkshire, and especially Rotherham, has a long history of policies designed to aid investment into areas formerly centred around heavy industry. Enterprise Zones established in the 1990's were influential in the regeneration of former coalfield ares such as Manvers, and ealier Enterprise Zones led to the creation of Parkgate Shopping without the need for local planning approval.

Between 1995 and 2005, Manvers saw a boom in call centres and office space thanks to generous tax reliefs and a simplified Enterprise Zone Planning Scheme. As the economy changed, distribution became a popular industrial use in the area and Rothbiz has reported previously on plans to demolish purpose built call centres.

Agents at Knight Frank have previously explained the reason for the circumstances: "Historically these larger scale call centre buildings had been built during a period of the historic enterprise zone status and where there had been good demand from back office/call centre operations and substantial offers available – rates free periods and large incentive packages. A lot of the traditional call centre market moved off shore, and in more recent times due to the pandemic a lot of businesses have now adopted home working policies in the UK."

Images: Northcap

News: Smoke & Pepper to open new Rotherham restaurant

2026-06-03T09:18:05.055+01:00

A fast-growing food brand is opening a new store in Rotherham, according to Visit Rotherham, promising a modern, vibrant, and flavour-driven restaurant.

What started in Leyton in 2022 as a burger joint has now turned into a raved-about restaurant. Smoke & Pepper has crafted a unique dining experience that seamlessly blends the allure of an Instagrammable restaurant with the convenience of fast-food dining.

Visit Rotherham reports that the brand has begun work on its new Rotherham location at Forge Island.

Delivered by Rotherham Council in partnership with Muse, the £47m Forge Island development in Rotherham town centre includes an 8-screen boutique cinema operated by The Arc Cinema, a 69-roomed Travelodge Hotel. Food outlets include Vetro Lounge and Heavenly Desserts.

The menu includes top chef-quality burgers and succulent flame grilled chicken, famous flavourful loaded fries and crispy fried wings and tenders tossed in signature sauces. Smoke & Pepper is also known for bringing the thickest shakes in town, thirst quenching mojitos and freshly baked divine milk cakes.

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The business is fast growing thanks to its franchise model. It has 16 stores currently trading with more in the pipeline.

Heavenly Desserts franchisee, Daoud Tahir, who recently picked up an award for his work on the Rotherham location, recently announced that he was looking to add a Smoke & Pepper franchise.

Smoke & Pepper is working on Unit 1 at Forge Island, a 2,500 sq ft unit next door to Arc Cinema.

Recruitment is underway with the restaurant currently looking for General Team Members and Back of House Kitchen Staff.

Social media posts for the brand explain: "Food is at the heart of Smoke & Pepper. Our menu centres on comfort food favourites such as smash burgers, grilled chicken, loaded fries, smoked meats and signature in house sauces, all built around carefully sourced ingredients and strong operational discipline.

"The Smoke & Pepper experience is about more than food. Our restaurants are designed to feel distinctive and engaging, so customers feel they have been somewhere, not just eaten somewhere.

"From design and music to service and flow, we focus on creating an environment people want to spend time in and return to. Every customer who chooses Smoke & Pepper is a privilege. They could have gone anywhere, and that choice is never taken lightly. We celebrate that trust by delivering great food, strong service and an experience that feels reliable, enjoyable and worth repeating."

Rothbiz reported last month that Sygnature Dish, an independent restaurant set up by local entrepreneurs had closed within a year of opening at Forge Island.

Smoke & Pepper website
Forge Island website

Images: Tom Austen

News: Plans drafted for new events and sports venue in Rotherham

2026-06-02T09:46:14.558+01:00

A former works sporting facility tied to one of Rotherham's most famous companies could be brought back into use under ambitious new plans.

A licence application has been submitted to Rotherham Council for the site of the Guest & Chrimes pitches on Bassingthorpe Lane near Greasbrough.

The former iron and brass foundry of Guest & Chrimes once employed 400 people on the edge of Rotherham town centre. Sports clubs and pitches were often made available by large companies.

Having been out of use as sports facilities, the site's owners have tested the water with car boot sales in recent years. Now plans drafted for the licensing application show a new future for the site which is in the middle of the proposed Bassingthorpe residential development scheme.

The new application for a premises licence is from SME Enviromental Holdings LTD, the company behind a number of regeneration projects in Rotherham town centre, including The Empire and The Bunka.

If approved, it would enable the Bassingthorpe site to allow the outdoor provision of the following licensable activities:

- Live & Recorded Music, Plays, Films, & Dance;
- Late Night Refreshment; and the
- Sale of Alcohol

The application would be for between May and September and limits the provision licensable activities to a maximum of 16 occasions between 11am and 12 midnight on any day of the week.

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Bassingthorpe Meadows is advertised as having seven acres of space for events.

Plans show a large venue space complemented with a pavilion and café, plus 77 to 110 car parking spaces.

The plans also show seven padel courts and an area for golfing activities - a netted driving range with 13 bays, a chipping area, and a putting area.

Last year, a masterplan was approved for Bassingthorpe - a proposed 2,000 home development on former greenbelt land where the vision is to create a "well-connected 21st century garden community" close to the proposed new mainline station at Parkgate.

The masterplan included a new neighbourhood park and sports facilities at the heart of Bassingthorpe and stated that Bassingthorpe Lane "has potential to become a key active travel route between Greasbrough and Rotherham Town Centre and the new mainline station."

Images: Google Maps

News: Environmental permit application withdrawn for Rotherham site

2026-06-02T09:16:47.598+01:00

The Environment Agency has confirmed that a permit regarding glass recycling at a site in Rotherham has been withdrawn.

Operators were previously served with a statutory abatement order following complaints from nearby residents.

Universal Glass Ltd has been operating from Rotherham Road in Dinnington. Rothbiz reported on a permit application for non-hazardous waste recycling which stated that the throughput of the site was proposed to be less than 75,000 tonnes a year, targeting "wastes consisting predominantly of glass, with smaller fractions of packaging materials."

The application is now listed as withdrawn and the local MP, Jake Richards has said that the firm has closed the site and the operation "will be moved to another location."

The MP said: "I would like to thank everyone who was involved in this campaign, your strength of feeling and demand for action has been heard and we have collectively ensured that this issue has been resolved for local residents.

"For the past 15 months, residents around the area have been contacting me to report a foul and toxic smell coming from the Glass recycling plant. Residents spoke about the impact on their day-to-day lives; not being able to open windows, avoiding going outside, and worrying about the effect on their health. Many described the smell as being particularly bad over weekends, and the strength of feeling was clear: people were frustrated and wanted action.

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"Residents were also worried that the company had applied for an Environmental Permit, which would enable them to continue operating and further enhance the risk to residents’ safety and quality of life."

The permit would have allowed for HGVs to deliver waste which would be crushed and screened outside with a second screening inside. Once treated, the materials would then be considered a specified, saleable product, and would no longer constitute a waste. Different products would be separately stockpiled and bagged before being loaded to HGVs for onward delivery.

Permitted work would have been carried out 8:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday and 8:00 to 16:00 on Saturdays.

Images: Google Maps

News: Rotherham Council in £4.5m deal with developers

2026-06-01T10:30:13.495+01:00

Rotherham Council are close to concluding a deal that will net them £4.5m and enable a controversial 450 house development to go ahead.

Rothbiz reported in April that new developers had stepped in at Whiston after Avant Homes pulled out.

A residential allocation was made for nearly 50 acres of greenbelt land off Lathe Road / Worrygoose Lane through the development of the borough's Local Plan.

Miller Homes and St. Modwen Homes are now set to develop the site with a phased approach.

The new developers are now set to purchase a piece of surplus land on Worrygoose Lane from Rotherham Council, described as a "ransom strip."

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The council's cabinet is being asked to sign off the deal. A report explains: "The land is required to provide lawful access to a residential site allocated within the Council’s adopted Local Plan and therefore represents a ransom strip, without control of which the wider site cannot be developed.

"During the course of negotiations, a number of offers were made by the developer and adjoining landowners. At one stage, all offers were withdrawn while alternative options for accessing the site were explored, resulting in a period of limited engagement with the Council. At a later stage, a change in developer and a refreshed commercial approach led to negotiations being re-opened and ultimately concluding in a final agreed offer of £4.5m for the Council’s land.

"The disposal enables the realisation of value from a Council-owned asset and also enables delivery of a wider residential development, including affordable housing, as already identified within the Council’s Local Plan and wider objectives to deliver new residential and affordable residential across the Borough."

A reserved matters application for the site has never been approved. It detailed where the houses would go, the types of houses, and the location of things like attenuation basins and play areas. Miller Homes are now updating plans to reflect the incoming housebuilders’ product ranges.

With outline approval, the scheme comes with a number of conditions, such as contributing to £225,000 for transport improvements plus a financial contribution to the proposed works at Worrygoose roundabout, £100k per annum for a period of three years for bus services, and 25% on site affordable housing provision.

Miller Homes website

Images: Google Maps

News: All smiles as Tooth Express secures larger premises in Rotherham

2026-06-01T10:08:31.084+01:00

Dental supply company Tooth Express, has completed the successful purchase of commercial premises in Rotherham in a strategic growth move.

Previously based in Sheffield, the new larger premises represent a key milestone in the next chapter of the family-run business which was established in 2008.

The Brightside Lane premises were leased and the company was keen to find a larger, permanent base, so opted to purchase a former funeral director's premises in Rotherham. The significantly larger building on Broom Valley Road now provides the space needed to support the company’s growth plans.

Sheffield-based property law specialist Mason Thomas Law advised Sophie Evans, managing director of Tooth Express, on the property purchase.

Sophie, who has worked within Tooth Express for more than ten years, took over the helm of the family owned and run business last year from her mother, Beverley Pearce who originally established the company.

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The company has since built a strong reputation supplying acrylic and composite false teeth for the manufacture of dentures to dental technicians and clinical dental technicians throughout the UK. More recently the business has expanded its product range to include denture base materials, clasps, rotaries and other specialist supplies.

Commenting on the legal process, Sophie said: “The team at Mason Thomas Law were fantastic. Jo Malcolm was straight-talking and exactly what I needed, with everything being explained clearly and simply. They were very easy to work with and so helpful throughout the process. I was so impressed and would recommend them to anyone needing a property lawyer.”

With a baby due in March, the purchase of the new property was a race against time. It was completed just before Christmas 2025, with Sophie electing to purchase with cash due to funding delays.

She explained: “When delays arose with the bank, I knew I wanted to get the purchase completed before Christmas, so I decided to proceed as a cash buyer.”

Jo Malcolm, Director and Licensed Conveyancer at Mason Thomas Law, said: “It was a pleasure to support Sophie on this important step for both her and the business. Securing larger premises gives Tooth Express room to grow and continue building on its strong reputation within the dental supply sector. We wish Sophie every success with both the expansion and the exciting upcoming new arrival.”

6-8 Broom Valley Road provides 2,093 sq ft of space and went up for sale with Commercial Property Rotherham from a guide price of £225,000.

Tooth Express website

Images: Tooth Express

News: Why is demolition planned for Millmoor and what is the future of the former home of Rotherham United?

2026-05-26T09:04:10.461+01:00

The new owners of Millmoor are looking to regenerate the site.

Rothbiz revealed first that a planning application had been submitted reagrding the demolition of what remains of the stadium that was previously home to Rotherham United.

Ron Hull Group, the new owners of CF Booth Ltd, took on the old football ground when it acquired the assests of the historic Rotherham firm that had entered administration.

The owners are working with local Rotherham firm, Eton Construction, on plans for the area - the 35-acre site that includes the ground and the large Booth operations at the Clarence Works at Armer Street in Masbrough.

The new owners said in a statement: "Ron Hull Group, are to demolish parts of the Millmoor Football Ground due to it’s poor condition. But there is no getting away from the fact that the football club now has a new home at the NEW York Stadium, and this ground has been vacant and under used since the club left.

"The buildings and structures selected in the current application to demolish are all in a poor condition due to years of neglect and are suffering from a general lack of maintenance, specifically elements like roof finishes and the structures themselves. It is assumed this situation accelerated in the period since Rotherham United Football Club vacated the site.

"The current main stand is only partially completed, and has been exposed to the elements since at least 2007. The high cost of repair, yet alone proceed to complete this stand would be excessive given that there are very limited numbers of possible users of the ground. Thus meaning it is unbuyable.

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"As stated in the application the Tivoli entertainment space, with its living accommodation over are in a high state of disrepair, the accommodation having being vandalised and a lack of roof maintenance has allowed water into the building and building structure causing decay and partial collapse due to long term exposure to this water. This is a similar situation with the Press Box / Police Office.

"The Tivoli Stand and part of the Millmoor Lane Stand are all clad in asbestos sheeting, which is beginning to breakdown / dislodge in places, all showing signs of decay due to a general lack of maintenance. The same lack of repair and general up keep is also true for the uncovered area and lighting columns. The condition of these parts of the ground, and the long term lack of a viable user for the ground is what has lead to their inclusion within the current demolition application.

"So at present the priority / order to demolish is : The incomplete main stand, Tivoli, Admin building, and Tivoli stand first, followed by the terrace, uncovered stand and Part Millmoor Lane stand , lighting columns and then the other associated building stated in application. As this process is at its very early stages. some decisions are still to be made, at present no decision has been made about the pitch, and the remaining stands which are not included in the current demolition application. There condition will be assessed, and any future use considered if it is viable, or demolition if necessary.

"Ron Hull Group, are looking to regenerate the site, but no decision has yet been made at this point."

With regard to the future of the site, the 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.

The listing from 2018 stated: "The area remains suitable for a mix of uses and lies adjacent to the football stadium vacated when Rotherham United moved to their new ground. The car park has an extant temporary B8 storage plannig [sic] permission. As such it is proposed that the mixed use area is extended to include the former stadium and car park. The area remains appropriate for a mix of uses include business use (excluding offices), housing, residential and non residential institutions and assembly and leisure uses." A recommendation was made to retain the mixed use area and extend it to include the community allocation use covering the adjacent football ground.

Millmoor was featured in the recent draft of Rotherham's new playing pitch strategy. It is described as having "one good quality adult pitch that has spare capacity of 0.5 match equivalent sessions per week discounted due to unsecure tenure."

The strategy recommended low priority actions that would sustain the pitch quality and that long-term agreement is sought between the landowner and its site users to establish actual spare capacity for clubs.

Ron Hull website

Images: RUFC /

News: Millmoor no more? Demolition plans for historic Rotherham United football stadium

2026-05-23T09:16:07.641+01:00

It is getting on for 20 years since the last league game at Millmoor, the "spiritual home of Rotherham United," but the next fixture at the abandoned stadium could be a date with the wrecking ball.

Ron Hull Group said that it planned to demolish parts of the Millmoor Football Ground due to it’s poor condition and the "long term lack of a viable user".

Ron Hull Group, the new owners of CF Booth Ltd, took on the old football ground when it acquired the assests of the historic Rotherham firm that had entered administration.

Rothbiz reported last month that, having taken over the Clarence Works at Armer Street in Masbrough, Ron Hull has been assessing the buildings on the site, with many found to be in a state of disrepair. The company has engaged with the local planning authority, Rotherham Council, over the method of demolition for buildings on the site.

Now a similar planning application has been submitted for the football stadium which sits on the 35-acre site, alongside the huge scrap yard.

The application is "to determine whether prior approval is required of the method of demolition and restoration of the site re:- demolition of Admin Building, Tivoli club with accommodation over, Press Box, incomplete main stand, Tivoli Stand, Terrace and Uncovered Stand, part of Millmoor Lane stand, All pitch lighting columns, and other football associated buildings."

Despite its origins dating back to 1890, and the association with The Millers and their fans, Millmooor is not a listed building, or recognised on the South Yorkshire Local Heritage List. Owners generally have permitted development rights regarding the demolition of buildings they own but are often required to get prior approval from the local council.

Applicants say that some decisions are still to be made. At present no decision has been made about the pitch and the remaining stands which are not included in the current demolition application.

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A statement on behalf of the Ron Hull Group, said: "The buildings and structures selected in the current application to demolish are all in a poor condition due to years of neglect and are suffering from a general lack of maintenance, specifically elements like roof finishes and the structures themselves. It is assumed this situation accelerated in the period since Rotherham United football Club vacated the site.

"The current main stand is only partially completed, and has been exposed to the elements since at least 2007. The high cost of repair, yet alone proceed to complete this stand would be excessive given that there are very limited numbers of possible users of the ground. Thus meaning it is unbuyable."

Rotherham Church Institute played at MIllmoor in the Sheffield Association League in 1890. Rotherham County obtained a lease at Millmoor from the Midland Railway Company in 1907 and scores of volunteers and donors were drafted in to help build a stadium for league football. When the Football League was resumed in 1919, Rotherham County applied successfully to join for the first time while Rotherham Town's application was turned down. The first league game took place at Millmoor as County beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 in August 1919.

County and Town combined and Rotherham United was officially born on May 27, 1925. Millmoor was Rotherham United's home until the last game in 2008. It hosted the first Football League Cup in 1961 and even top flight rugby.

Rotherham United fell into administration for the second time in 2008 having previously been owned by the Booth family, owners of Millmoor and the large scrap business that surrounds it.

Local businessman Tony Stewart of ASD Lighting brought the club out of administration via a Creditors Voluntary Agreement but then came the decision to play home games at the now demolished Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield, after working hard to get a deal to carry on playing at Millmoor.

The club was charged with returning to play home games in its home town within four seasons by the Football League and the £20m AESSEAL New York Stadium, on the edge of Rotherham town centre and in view of Millmoor, hosted its first Millers game in 2012.

The Millmoor ground, famed for the quality of the playing surface and its compact size that often created a raucous atmosphere. was never glamorous and lacked many of the features of modern stadia. Since 2008 it is not exactly a "ghost ground" as it has been used for kickabouts, charity games and youth football.

In 2011 talks between Rotherham Rugby Club, Rotherham Council and CF Booth Ltd came to an end with the Rotherham Titans unable to stage home games at Millmoor again after "a commercially viable solution could not be found."

Last year Rothbiz reported that Doncaster Rovers Belles had arranged to play home games at Millmoor but they were forced to return to their nomadic existence before the end of the season.

Ron Hull Group website

Images: Google Maps / DRFC

News: Council set to bring back big screen to Rotherham town centre

2026-05-21T09:13:34.666+01:00

Switched-on Rotherham Council look set to repeat an idea to attract more people into Rotherham town centre - a big TV screen.

The idea was previously tried 20 years ago.

The council's cabinet recently approved further funding as the overall budget for the town centre markets scheme, which also includes a new library, has risen again to £46.84m. The cabinet report also set out how the plans for the redevelopment had evolved.

On Eastwood Lane, the original scope included the provision of office and meeting space intended for use by third sector and voluntary organisations. A tenant was identified at an early stage of the project. The cabinet report states that: "However, changes in the tenant’s business requirements meant that the originally proposed accommodation was no longer suitable."

Citizens Advice Rotherham formerly occupied the RAIN Building on Eastwood Lane that was demolished to make way for the development. The organisation is now based on Upper Millgate.

The report adds that: "As a result, this element of the scheme has been re-specified to subdivide the space into smaller, more flexible units, which are considered more attractive to a wider range of prospective tenants. This redesign had a knock-on effect on the overall design programme, contributing to further delays and therefore cost."

One of the key parts of the initial scheme was to enhance the town centre's public realm and events space.

Rothbiz has previously reported on the positive impact of events. Audiences for town centre events have increased by 13% year-on-year from 2021 to 2025 with organisers stating that in terms of economic impact, the events generate an average of £3.64 for every £1 the council invests.

The location of the Drummond Street site provides the opportunity to link the new development to the adjacent college campus on Eastwood Lane and improve Market Square where Howard Street and Effingham Street meet at the entrance to the indoor market.

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The cabinet report states that with "the improvements to Eastwood Lane nearing completion, the benefits of this new outdoor space are already becoming apparent."

The installation of stepped features from the college to the new market has created an amphitheatre and this area is where a big TV screen is set to be placed.

The idea is a reboot of the large screen installed in All Saints' Square in 2005.

A cabinet report states: "The [Eastwood Lane] area represents a valuable events and leisure asset with the potential to become a defining feature of the town centre. A complementary enhancement is proposed, in the form of a large outdoor screen to strengthen the town centre offer by supporting major sporting broadcasts, national events and inclusion within the local events programme."

The previous big screen was originally set to be purchased by Rotherham Council, working with ADI, the screen manufacturer, who retained advertising income. The BBC joined the project in 2006 to provide content.

The 5m x 5m screen was used to show a mix of local information, events promotion, community footage, films, festive content, cultural events such as ballet and opera performances, and live sports including the World Cup and the Olympic Games.

By 2009, cabinet members were considering the removal of the big screen due to the contractual situation, limited access to programmes, poor picture quality and budgetary savings.

Images: Henry Boot Construction

News: Idea validation support for tech founders in South Yorkshire reopens

2026-05-21T08:54:55.641+01:00

Rotherham tech firms are being offered support to validate their innovative ideas through the continuation of an incentive programme designed to boost the region’s startups.

Rothbiz reported last year on the support coming from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) funded TECH SY project, which has been offering either financial grants or support from a specialist consultancy to promising startups in South Yorkshire as part of the wider aim to help scale up the tech ecosystem.

The Idea Validation Grant previously provided up to £2,500 of direct financial support, OR up to £5,000 worth of idea validation support.

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After strong demand saw the previous programme close early, early‑stage tech founders and businesses in South Yorkshire can now apply for provider‑led validation support worth £3,000. The support is designed to help founders test ideas properly – exploring market demand, feasibility and next steps – before making major time or financial commitments.

Experts at Trove will deliver the idea validation support, benefiting from their experience as founders starting, scaling and exiting a tech business, and their knowledge of the investment landscape. They have adapted their 90-day iMVP programme to bring structure to this 1-2-1 support, with workshops and biweekly meetings.

The model has been refreshed and is particularly suited to part‑time founders and side hustles, though full‑time founders at an early stage are also eligible. The programme aims to support around 10–12 founders, depending on the level of support allocated to each project. Places are limited, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the programme may close early once funds are allocated.

The support includes initial work including discovery, roadmap and review workshops, 6+ hours of mentoring, and reporting and validation scoring.

TECH SY website

Images: UnSplash / Headway

News: Howard Building plans approved

2026-05-19T11:29:43.289+01:00

Plans have been approved that would bring back into use a historic building in Rotherham that has been empty for over a decade and wrapped up in a legal battle.

Rothbiz reported in February on plans submitted by Manchester-based SH Capital for the Howard Building in Rotherham town centre.

Through its SH Care brand, SH Capital works in the vulnerable accommodation sector in the UK and works with leading care home providers. A key completed project for the firm was for Rotherham-based Exemplar Health Care and its 40-bed care home, Leger Grove in Doncaster.

Work related to previous applications for the Howard Street property has never been carried out, and so planning permission lapsed. The new plans concentrate on a change of use for part of the lower ground floor and full second floor of the existing building from office use to residential use under permitted development rights.

The application proposes a total of 23 units over the two floors (six on lower ground floor and 17 on second floor floor) - a mix of one-bed studios, one-bed 2-person units, two-bed 3-person units and two-bed 4-person units.

The building is within the Rotherham Town Conservation Area, but no external changes are proposed. However, mitigation measures include upgraded glazing to windows facing Howard Street, with standard glazing deemed sufficient to other elevations.

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Approved without going before Rotherham Council's planning board, officers confirmed that the proposed change of use from Commercial, Business and Service Use (Class E) to Dwellinghouse is permitted.

Having secured permission for lower ground floor and full second floor, a second planning application was submitted relating to the the ground floor, first floor (including mezzanine level), and part of the lower ground floor for the creation of 49 self-contained residential apartments, with all matters reserved except access and layout. However, this application was later cancelled.

In 2018, Rothbiz reported that quick progress on converting the Howard Building was unlikely after a court injunction was granted that prevented its sale. Liquidators were trying to prove that sham charges related to a number of properties were being used to wrongfully divert funds away from investors. Claims from creditors were in excess of £68m.

A year later, the Insolvency Service concluded an investigation into Absolute Living Developments Limited which sold apartments in England off-plan to investors who were largely based in Asia.

In Rotherham, with little evidence of the conversion of the former college building into twelve, one bed apartments and 60 studio apartments at "Howard Residencies", applicants, AVRO Developments headed into insolvency and the property passed to another connected company.

That company, 2380 REVERSIONS LTD, has now been renamed as Waverley Residencies Limited with the charges satisfied and the directors replaced.

SH Care website

Images: Tom Austen

News: Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber 2026 Business Awards

2026-05-19T11:20:14.247+01:00

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber has announced that the Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards are set to return to Magna later this year.

Now in its sixteenth year and building on the success of the 2025 awards, which saw more than 500 representatives from the local business community come together to celebrate and showcase their achievements, entries for the 2026 Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards will open on June 8.

Supported by headline sponsor Barnsley College, the awards aim to showcase the achievements of all aspects of South Yorkshire’s business community: From apprentices and new business owners taking the first steps in their chosen vocations, to businesses that have enjoyed significant growth, invested back in the community, and gone above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to people development, customer service and sustainability.

The work of charities and not-for-profit organisations will also be recognised, with the chance of securing a cash prize to support their work, as well as the chance to compete for the title of Charity of the Year, whilst businesses celebrating a milestone anniversary in 2026 can apply for a special salute to business, in recognition of their longstanding contribution towards shaping South Yorkshire’s local and regional economy.

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The awards will culminate in a glittering event, held at Magna on Friday, November 6 2026. A full list of awards can be found via the awards website and a limited number of sponsorship packages are also available.

Winners on the night last year saw the Barnsley-based Naylor Group crowned as Business of the Year, Rotherham-based Balliante won the title of Small Business of the Year, whilst the Rotherham Samaritans secured the title of Charity of the Year.

Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive Officer, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards is one of the highlights of the Chamber calendar year and showcases some of the truly unique and innovative work being delivered by businesses across South Yorkshire. We’ve got some exciting plans lined up for this year’s event, which will be announced in due course.

Our awards aren’t just a celebration of business achievement but a real celebration of the strength and diversity of our local economy and how many go above and beyond the call of duty to deliver truly outstanding work that is shaping South Yorkshire.”

Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards website

Images: Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber

News: Padel court plan to enhance urban entertainment venue in Rotherham

2026-05-18T09:32:40.641+01:00

Plans have been submitted to create padel courts on the heritage high street in Rotherham town centre.

Rothbiz reported last year on plans for some exciting new projects, including a new spa and a golf-themed bar complete with a simulator setup, from a local developer that specialises in restoring listed buildings and creating residential and commercial spaces.

The 2017 masterplan places a greater emphasis on town centre living and leisure, as opposed to traditional retail uses, in continuing the regeneration of Rotherham town centre.

Having previously converted the former Post Office on Main Street, created a boutique hotel in the historic George Wright Building, and restored the Empire Theatre, attention turned to an unused underground building next to the George Wright.

The Bunka opened earlier this year - a premium underground VIP golf simulator and leisure venue located on Snail Hill featuring state-of-the-art TrackMan technology, in-house PGA coaching and a members-only bar. A spa in the building is set to follow.

With the underground conversion well underway, things are looking up, with applicant, Mark McGrail of SME Holding Ltd, now unveiling plans for two padel courts to be constructed over the hotel's car park that sits above the Bunka.

The plan involves the installation of a simple metal deck for two padel courts over the existing car park.

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Plans, drawn up by Just Architecture, state: "The site is currently underutilised and offers an opportunity to enhance the character of the area.

"The development includes two padel courts accessed from the GW [George Wright] courtyard. It is believed that with this part of the development a sense of cohesiveness will be achieved given the access to the GW Hotel, Spa and simulated golf, all located within the same complex.

"The proposal for 2 No Padel Courts represents a sensitive and sustainable development opportunity that respects its historical context, makes efficient use of underutilised urban land, and delivers an additional element to this urban entertainment venue."

Given that the site is within the town's conservation area, and the George Wright is a listed building, the plans state that the height and massing have been sensitively designed. The required fencing and protective panels around the courts will be covered by canopies, which the plans state: "although quite high in relation to the GW Hotel it will have little impact upon the GW Hotel given its semi-transparent nature." The development is also easily reversible due to its construction.

LED lighting is also proposed and to fit in the courts, the structure would go over the Snail Hill access road "but at a height that would not have any impact on vehicle access."

Rothbiz reported last year on initial plans and the disposal of the property that Rotherham Council deemed to be of "low strategic value and limited potential for income."

The Bunka website

Images: SME / Just Architecture

News: Lifco acquires Rotherham firm

2026-05-18T09:11:45.006+01:00

Lifco, a Swedish industrial conglomerate, has seen through a deal for a Rotherham-based niche manufacturer of secondary glazing.

Glass Umbrella Ltd is based at Dinnington in Rotherham and trades as Granada Secondary Glazing. Its 74-person team leads the UK in precision secondary glazing.

Granada Glazing has been in business for over 45 years and is the largest manufacturer of secondary glazing products in the UK. Since 1980, the company has made over a million frames, averaging roughly 100 frames a day and around 25,000 every year. It supplies a broad range of high-quality, bespoke products to the trade and commercial sectors, as well as directly to consumers through its Clearview subsidiary.

With net sales of approximately £11m in 2025, the Rotherham firm is expected to be consolidated into a Lifco division in the second quarter of 2026.

Lifco, a SEK 23.8bn (£1.88 billion) turnover industrial group, recognised Granada’s long operating history, differentiated market position and resilient business model. The acquisition provides Granada with a long-term ownership structure that supports its management team and growth strategy, while preserving the business’s operational independence, culture and brand.

The transaction further reflects Lifco’s strategy of acquiring niche, market-leading businesses with strong cash generation and opportunities for sustainable, long-term growth.

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Malcolm White, former owner of Granada, said: “Granada holds a very special place for me – it is a talented team doing genuinely exciting work, and over the years they have demonstrated real professionalism and delivered outstanding results.

"At 70, however, I felt I owed it to that team to ensure the business had the long-term stability and support it deserves – something I felt I could no longer provide alone. I therefore appointed Debrett's to help identify the right partner: someone who would share my belief in what Granada is building.

"I am delighted with Lifco. They understand the long-term vision, and I have every confidence they will back the team to continue their success – without losing the qualities that have made Granada what it is today.”

Debrett’s has advised the shareholde on the deal. Mark Selby, partner at Debrett’s, said: “Granada is a high-quality, market-leading business with a strong culture of innovation and product differentiation. We are delighted to have supported the shareholder in finding the right partner in Lifco, which shares their long-term vision and provides an excellent platform for the next stage of growth.”

Lorna Mendelsöhn, Acquisition Director at Lifco, added: “This transaction is reflective of Lifco’s long‑term acquisition strategy and focus on niche market leaders. We were impressed by the quality of the business and well executed deal process, and we look forward to providing a long‑term home for the business and its team.”

The Debrett’s advisory team comprised Mark Selby, Seb Rowlands, Harveer Gill and Will Mason.

Other advisers included Tom Durrant and Jessica Hopkinson of Squire Patton Boggs, legal advice to the shareholder.

BDO LLP and Walker Morris LLP, tax and legal advice to the buyer respectively.

Granada Secondary Glazing website

Images: Granada Secondary Glazing

News: Capital&Centric timetabled to talk up Rotherham regeneration

2026-05-15T09:20:56.652+01:00

The managing director of social impact developer Capital&Centric is set to share a stage with officials from Rotherham next week at the UK’s leading forum for real estate, investment and infrastructure.

Although it has not been announced why, the appearance suggests that the Manchester company is in line to take forward more development opportunities in the region.

Capital&Centric specialises in unlocking and transforming "unloved" brownfield sites into vibrant, design-led neighborhoods. It is currently working on £2bn of development across commercial, residential, hotel and leisure sectors. In neighbouring Sheffield it has secured millions to progress plans at the Cannon Brewery site.

John Moffat, joint managing director of Capital&Centric is due to take part in a panel at UKREiiF – The UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum, which is entitled: "Next Stop Rotherham - The Gateway To The Future."

Moffat is set to join John Edwards, chief executive at Rotherham Council, Katharine Hammond, chief executive of South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership (NPP), to discuss how Rotherham is delivering an ambitious growth agenda, uniting major regeneration with world-leading innovation at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

Property professionals, investors, developers and senior decision-makers are set to discover "how Rotherham is helping shape Northern Powerhouse Rail and South Yorkshire’s future - creating a national transport hub, accelerating housing delivery, and unlocking prime opportunities for investment."

A 20-year masterplan for Rotherham Gateway Station at Parkgate shows how a transport improvement scheme can act as the catalyst for a much wider regeneration project supporting thousands of new jobs.

Rotherham Gateway will reconnect the town to the mainline rail network for the first time since the 1980s, delivering faster connections to major cities including Sheffield, Leeds and Birmingham, while unlocking new regional and national routes.

Representing a long-term investment in Rotherham’s future, the £300m project is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs locally, with a further 8,000 across the wider South Yorkshire Investment Zone - delivering an economic uplift of over £100m through new employment opportunities.

The project is a key part of SYMCA's portfolio for UKREiiF. The mayoral authority describes it as having "the potential to offer the most significant growth and regeneration opportunity across the North of England.

"A new main line rail station with tram-train stop situated within the heart of a new advanced manufacturing innovation campus, and in an area of housing growth, will ensure rapid and reliable connectivity to regional and national economies, providing ease of access outside the Borough."

Investors and developer interest is being sought to deliver the necessary infrastructure for a new Station Anchor Building and Innovation Campus.

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Investors and developers are also being courted to take on the opportunity for around 400 new homes adjacent to a new mainline station. Rotherham Council offers the opportunity to acquire land and de-risk investment while seeking developer and investor interest in the creation of a new residential led community.

The station is also being positioned as the scheme that unlocks the wider Bassingthorpe development nearby - a proposed 2,000 home development on former greenbelt land. Rotherham Council recently approved the appointment of a specialist consultant to provide commercial advice for the scheme in order to "progress the delivery of a residential development scheme on the strategic allocation site of Bassingthorpe Farm jointly with the majority landowner."

Rothbiz reported last month that following the announcement on Rotherham Gateway being in the first phase of Nothern Powerhouse Rail, a developer signed an agreement to start investment.

Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency, has also been active in relation to Rotherham Gateway, entering into a £70,000 contract for a feasibility study.

Homes England has also been looking to appoint a solicitor to act on its behalf on "entering into an Investments Loan Agreement with a borrower where providing finance for residential development in Rotherham."

Homes England recently entered a strategic joint venture with Swiss Life Asset Managers and Capital&Centric to deliver more than 2,250 homes in underinvested areas in England.

In March, Rothbiz reported that Rotherham Council was appointing a private sector developer for the next phase of large scale house-building in the town centre.

The "Strategic Sites" programme "aims to bring forward high-quality mixed-use development across the Council’s strategic town centre sites, creating a new community supported by integrated services, leisure uses and commercial opportunities. Its objectives include securing a long term positive legacy for the town centre, accelerating progress on complex brownfield sites, attracting credible private sector partners, and addressing viability challenges in a low value market through targeted public sector intervention."

Rotherham Gateway Station website
Capital&Centric website

Images: RMBC / Capital&Centric

News: Council forced to take action on burnt-out Wetherspoons in Rotherham

2026-05-15T08:58:08.647+01:00

Rotherham Council has taken action over a fire-damaged pub in Rotherham town centre.

Rothbiz reported last year that the former Rhinoceros pub on Bridgegate was listed as being sold subject to contract off a guide price of £249,995.

Known locally as "Rhinos," it was one of 16 pubs put up for sale by J D Wetherspoons in 2019. It had been operating independently from Wetherspoon but was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The units were in the process of being refurbished and the initial intention was for the rear wing of the building to be converted into residential apartments, but two subsequent fires caused considerable damage to the existing building and structure.

Proposals for a new "Georgian inspired" mixed use development to replace the pub were approved in 2924.

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An update from Rotherham Council states: "Work is taking place to partially demolish the former Rhinoceros (Rhinos) building on Bridgegate in the town centre, to make the site safe and allow the pedestrianised area in front of the building to be re-opened.

"The building had been left in a poor condition following fire damage, so the Council has stepped in to take action. We're working with the owners of the building to carry out the remainder of the demolition work."

"We’re continuing to take positive steps to improve the town centre and create a place we can all feel proud of."

Planning documents showed that Rotherham Council served a s215 notice on a previous owner of the site in an effort to address the eyesore of a wrecked building. Local authorities have the power to take steps requiring land to be cleaned up when its condition adversely affects the amenity of the area. The notice was served "due to the dilapidated and poor state the building is still in after the fire and given the site is located in a prime location in the town centre conservation area."

If the owner/occupier fails to carry out the works specified within the prescribed time period, councils have the power either to prosecute, or where appropriate, to carry out the works itself. Councils can seek to recover the costs through the courts or by placing a charge on the property through HM Land Registry to recover the costs should the property be sold.

No longer listed for sale, agents for the property, BRH, said that it "presents an exceptional opportunity for investors and developers. With full planning permission granted for 22 self-contained flats and 2 x large ground floor commercial units, it offers significant potential for redevelopment."

BRH gave it an estimated post-development value of approximately £3m.

Images: Tom Austen

News: Rotherham Council vows to help traders as move to new £46.8m market development nears

2026-05-14T09:16:26.016+01:00

A rent free period and other support has been promised to market traders in Rotherham town centre as operators, Rotherham Council, prepare to open the New Market Hall next month.

The authority's budget included proposals to freeze charges linked to specific scenarios such as the markets, given the transition that will take place and the re-location of traders whilst the regeneration of the market is carried out.

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

Rothbiz reported last month that the overall budget for the scheme, which also includes a new library, has risen again and is now at £46.84m.

Sarah Champion MP raised a number of concerns with the council from market traders, and pointed out the number of stall holders forced to close.

In response, John Edwards, chief executive at Rotherham Council explained that: "Fees for the temporary outdoor covered market have now been shared with all traders.

"A rent-free period has been agreed to assist with the move to the Market Hall, fees have already been halved since COVID for traders, and no one will pay more than they currently pay during the forthcoming 2026/27 financial year.

"In addition, funding has been set aside to support traders with their marketing to help them attract new customers. A communications plan has been developed to help promote the temporary market and this will be rolled out over the coming weeks.

"We are in regular dialogue with the traders and will continue to work with them whilst the works continue until full completion next year."

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Island stalls at Rotherham Market currently cost between £204.50 and £237 per month to rent, with the rent for perimeter stalls at between £150.50 and £237 per month, before other charges are added. New traders can get a three month rent free incentive.

These rents and charges have been frozen for 2025/2026, however the council has increased charges for the Street Market, which is held on the main streets in the town centre. Outdoor market traders have moved on to the street market temporarily as construction work takes place.

Fees for "RMBC Casual Traders/ Multiple Trading Days" has increased from £23.50 to £24.40 per day. "Regular Traders" on the street market have seen fees increase from £33.75 to £35 per day.

Traders in the current indoor market are expected to move temporarily into the New Market Hall until the revamp is complete.

Simon Moss, Director of Regeneration and Environment at Rotherham Council, recently updated councillors on the issues. He said: "The traders are obviously really key to what we are trying to do. With no traders, there is no market, so we have been working extremely hard to keep the traders involved. In fact, the premise of the proposal to decant into the new market hall to provide a temporary market, that was an idea that was introduced into the project to address trader's concerns. Quite an investment went into that, because they were really keen to stay on site and so we've built that in.

"Obviously the rent levels have been a concern and recognising the disruption that the construction has caused and impacted on some traders so the 50% rent concession remains in place. We've also made a commitment that no trader will be paying more than they currently are during that period.

"We've also been working really hard to reduce the closure period, which was a real concern for traders who would have lost income during that period. We've reduced that to one week and we've increased the rent free period to three months.

"It's also worth noting the new markets team that we've brought in since the start of the year and that's had a real impact, and fresh energy and ideas, and that has really improved the dialogue that we've had with traders.

"I don't want to downplay the level of disruption and some of the concerns that some of the traders will have, but overall we've put a lot of effort into that, and I believe we are in a much stronger position in terms of that dialogue with traders."

Moss added that the move will take place in the summer this year with traders kept up to date on when that will be. He added: "We are obviously in a difficult moment with the costs and the challenges on the project but we believe that it is going to be an exciting moment for the town centre. We have seen that whenever we have invested heavily in the town centre, that has had the impact on footfall, as we've seen with Forge Island. We are hopeful that [the market] will drive footfall and create the kind of vibrant town centre that we all want to see."

A council report explains the importance of investing £46.8m in revamping the markets and library that will enable it "to once again become the beating heart of Rotherham town centre supporting economic vitality, increasing footfall, and reinforcing the town’s identity and sense of place."

The report adds that markets act "as traditional anchors that support independent traders, foster entrepreneurship and provide accessible, affordable shopping rooted in local character. When combined with high-quality public spaces, a food and drink offer and flexible spaces for events and social activity, markets help generate footfall, animate surrounding streets and create inclusive, vibrant destinations. Together, these elements underpin a resilient town centre that supports local businesses, strengthens community life and contributes to economic vitality, civic pride and overall wellbeing.

"The Markets complex was recognised as a key anchor in the town centre, both for its historic significance and the potential to be a modern, attractive destination to draw people back into the heart of the town.

"Modern markets are evolving into vibrant, multifunctional destinations that offer far more than traditional retail. The new Market Hall and its surrounding outdoor spaces will create opportunities to use the markets in fresh and imaginative ways, building on the success of feature events like the Bazaar while also providing a welcoming location for a wider range of gatherings, activities, and a traditional food offer. At the same time, collaboration with the College opens the door for the new market and library spaces to support partnership and enterprise adding real value to this part of the town centre."

The latest timetable for the new markets has the New Market Hall on the site of the outdoor covered market opening in June 2026 and the revamped Indoor Market completing in Autumn 2027.

Rotherham Markets website

Images: Adept Consulting Engineers Ltd / LinkedIn / Neimen Blume / RMBC

News: Second Rotherham outlet for growing chicken brand

2026-05-14T08:49:16.898+01:00

Visit Rotherham is reporting that a family run fast-food franchise has opened its second branch in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported last year that the Wingers brand was opening at the successful Olive Lane scheme on the Waverley development in Rotherham.

Now Visit Rotherham states that Wingers has recently opened at a unit at Manvers, in the north of the borough.

Amran Sunner and his brother Dylan and dad Bill, set about creating their own delicious, fresh fried buttermilk chicken recipe for customers to enjoy and the idea quickly developed wings! They formed Wingers – the Chicken Wing Company – a family run fast-food franchise business creating delicious, fresh fried buttermilk chicken recipes that got Midland folk drooling.

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The first restaurant opened in Lichfield, quickly followed by more successes around the Midlands. Recent investments can support up to 75 Wingers franchised restaurants across the UK with the firm hoping to open 50 restaurants by the end of 2027. The company said that the Rotherham opening is "another step towards building a truly national, homegrown UK chicken brand."

The Manvers outlet is at the Onyx Retail Park, taking the 1,250 Sq Ft Unit 1A that was recently home to online designer babywear business, Forever Sewing.

Specialising in "top notch buttermilk fried chicken," the menu includes tenders, wings, wraps, burgers and loaded fries.

A spokesperson for Onward Holdings, the owners of Onyx Retail Park, said: "This addition strengthens the diverse tenant mix at Onyx and is expected to significantly increase footfall, benefiting the entire retail ecosystem at the site.

"Congratulations to the team on a successful launch."

Wingers website

Images: Wingers

News: Consultation continues on £27m active travel schemes in Rotherham

2026-05-13T09:32:09.968+01:00

More public consultation has been launched as Rotherham Council is set to spend a further £27.2m on active travel schemes where new cycle lanes are set to be a key component.

Rothbiz has previously reported on a £16.5m scheme that includes bike lanes, bus lanes and a built up roundabout at Eastwood, on the edge of Rotherham town centre. A similar £10.7m cycle lane and roundabout scheme is proposed for Stag Roundabout and Wickersley / Broom Road.

The schemes follow on from the the £6.4m Sheffield Road Cycleways and Maltby Bus Corridor schemes and the £3.6m Broom Road Cycleways scheme.

The majority of funding for the latest schemes is coming from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) through the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), a government funding stream.

As Rothbiz has previously reported, the funding is conditional on increasing active travel (hence the new cycle lanes) and increasing bus patronage and reducing bus journey times (hence the new bus lanes).

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The most significant change is at St Ann's Roundabout. The consultation explains: "We propose to retain all arms of St Ann's Roundabout, replacing the subways with signalised crossings, with cycleways incorporated along with increased greenery and improved street lighting. The existing roundabout would be filled in."

New street level pedestrian and cycle routes would then be created with new traffic lights with cyclist and pedestrian crossings.

On Fitzwilliam Road, new cycle lanes would be created all the way from St Ann's Roundabout to the fire station. A new bus lane would also be created on the approach to the roundabout.

Neighbourhood streets are also set for investment, including new cycle lanes and speed humps on Doncaster Road and Badsley Moor Lane and new raised crossings on Middle Lane.

At Stag Roundabout, segregated cycle routes and controlled crossing facilities would be introduced on each arm of the roundabout, replacing the current zebra crossings.

For the main roads, cycle lanes and bus lanes are planned, with the council still considering a number of options for Broom Road and Wickersley Road.

The consultation states: "The first of these proposals would create a combined bus and cycle lane to be shared by bikes and buses which would split on the approach to Stag Roundabout.

"The second proposal would introduce a separate bus lane and a separate cycle lane along Wickersley Road, from the junction with Middle Lane South to Stag Roundabout.

"The third proposal would only introduce a cycle lane, with no bus lane."

For the second option, some trees would need to be removed.

Neighbourhood streets are also set for investment in this area too, including Broom Lane where a zebra crossing close to Sitwell school is proposed to be replaced by a controlled traffic signal crossing.

Consultation on the Rotherham East proposed network improvements closes on June 5, and consultation on Broom Road / Wickersley Road proposed Extension Corridor closes on June 22.

A consultation event is being held at Broom Methodist Church on May 26 from 2pm to 6pm.

Rotherham Council consultation website

Images: RMBC

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

2026-05-13T08:52:24.278+01:00

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.

Images: Google Maps