rotherham business news

News: Forging ahead: a million more visits in Rotherham town centre

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 08:11:00 +0000

Rotherham town centre has attracted a million more visits since 2024, according to the leader of the council.

Following the opening of Forge Island in summer 2024, Muse reported that footfall across Rotherham town centre during 2024 was 10% higher than the previous year.

Forge Island is the town centre's new landmark leisure destination delivered by Rotherham Council in partnership with Muse. The £47m development includes an 8-screen boutique cinema operated by The Arc Cinema, a 69-roomed Travelodge Hotel as well as food outlets, Heavenly Desserts, Sygnature Dish and Vetro Lounge.

2024 also included the massive homecoming gig for The Reytons which drew a crowd of approximately 20,000 fans to Clifton Park on the edge of the town centre.

With an apparent continued increase in footfall, the council leader has also pointed to the impact of local authority initiatives.

Rothbiz reported last month that free parking in council-run car parks in Rotherham town centre would continue aiming to "support local businesses, boost footfall, and encourage residents to shop locally."

The council's budget also includes over £500,000 to continue to put on a range of events where audiences for town centre events have increased by 13% year-on-year from 2021 to 2025.

In addition, December saw the launch of a dedicated council team designed to make Rotherham’s high streets safer and more welcoming. The £570,000 investment provides extra eyes and ears on the ground, tackling anti-social behaviour and supporting residents, businesses and visitors on the town centre and other towns in the borough.

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Speaking at a recent meeting of the full council, Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, said: "None of these things are separate elements. If you look at the town centre, what people perhaps don't realise, is that over the last two years, footfall in the town centre is up by a million visits - a million more visits over the course of those years.

"That's in part of course because of the regeneration activity that has taken place. That's in part because of the council events. That's in part because we have put the resources in place in to the Street Safe team to make it a better and safer environment."

Revitalising the town centre is a central part of the council's 2025 - 2030 plan, called "Forging Ahead." Long term measures of success include an increase in footfall in the town centre, a decrease in the percentage of vacant units in the town centre and an increase in the proportion of people optimistic about the future of Rotherham town centre.

Although the progress of the plan is monitored, and updates provided to councillors, the data behind these measures has yet to be published.

When data was made public, it showed that yearly footfall figures for Rotherham town centre have been in decline since 2012. From just over 26 million in that year, reducing by ten million to 16 million in 2019, even before the pandemic.

The way footfall is measured varies. Commercial property agents at nearby Parkgate Shopping promote that the popular retail destination attracts eight million visitors per year. Agents for Meadowhall say that the Sheffield shopping centre has 24 million visitors a year.

The authority's efforts to boost footfall are set to continue with new budgets including £304,000 to introduce three new Business Support Officers "to engage with businesses in the town centre areas, helping them to flourish" and a further £666,655 for the Shop Unit Business Grant Project that has been oversubscribed. £60,000 has been allocated for Rotherham Town Centre Markets, which is currently undergoing a revamp as part of a £40m regeneration scheme.

Another regeneration initiative designed to boost footfall is Rotherham Council's role in bringing more housing into the town centre.

Private sector developers and investors have also progressed housing plans with the conversion of a number of buildings. Privately funded regeneration schemes have also taken place in the lesiure sector - another key target for generating footfall. The opening of the Empire Theatre following a £1.8m restoration scheme being a prime example.

Images: RMBC / Muse

News: Pricecheck expands operational footprint to reach £200m turnover goal

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:30:00 +0000

Rotherham-based Pricecheck continues to invest in new warehouse space to support its rapid growth.

With its HQ at Beighton Link in Rotherham, Pricecheck is a fast-growing international wholesaler and distributor of Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG).

A deal has recently been done for a new 20,000 sq ft warehouse, on the same Beighton Link site as the firm's HQ. The unit was previously home to Face Theory before the business was sold last year.

This expansion will be bolstered by the addition of a 13,000 sq ft temporary structure at the company’s other Rotherham site, expected to be operational in April.

The £179m turnover firm first moved to Beighton Link in 2016 and added that 197,425 sq ft former Maplin building on Brookfields Park in Manvers in 2020. Pricecheck now has a total operational footprint of over 400,000 sq ft.

The latest expansion is in response to the company’s rapid growth, which has led to a need for additional capacity to meet surging demand. Pricecheck is also hiring half a dozen staff to work at the new warehouse, with plans to grow this number in the future.

To further manage this upscaling, Pricecheck’s Rotherham warehouse is now open on weekends, ensuring operations keep pace with the increasing volume of trade.

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The investment comes at a pivotal moment for the business. Pricecheck recently recorded a record annual turnover of £179 million for the 2024/25 financial year, marking its 11th consecutive year of growth. The extra space will support the final push toward the company’s "Vision 200" goal, a five-year strategic plan to double the size of the business and reach a £200m turnover by the end of the 2025/26 financial year.

The announcement also comes following the 10th anniversary of the company’s move to its Beighton headquarters, during which it received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

Mark Amos, Operations Director at Pricecheck, said: “Our rapid growth has been incredibly exciting, but it has also brought challenges. This new warehouse, as well as our Rotherham site being open seven days a week, are vital steps in ensuring we have the infrastructure and capacity to meet the huge demand from our partners and retailers.

“As we continue our evolution from a traditional wholesaler into a brand distributor, we are constantly looking for ways to build on our recent successes. This expansion provides the foundation we need to meet the needs of our growing list of brand partners, hit our targets, and lay the foundations for us to reach even greater heights.”

Pricecheck website

Images: Pricecheck

News: Updated plans submitted for £12m Rotherham regeneration scheme

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:07:00 +0000

A new planning application has been submitted for a multimillion pound regeneration scheme in a Rotherham town where demolition recently got underway.

The revamp of Dinnington market, approved in 2024, includes clearing derelict buildings, creating a new town square, and developing purpose-built commercial units to diversify the local offer.

The project, backed by £11m in Government funding, aims to improve the outdoor market, pedestrian routes, and public spaces - creating a healthier, safer, and more sustainable environment for residents, visitors, and businesses.

Revised plans are now being prepared for units on Laughton Road.

The Council now intends to fully demolish and rebuild the buildings rather than refurbish them to "deliver a safer, higher‑quality and future‑proofed space for businesses that will also better meet the needs of the community."

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

In the original plans, commercial units, the indoor market, a burnt-out building, the Dinnington Colliery Band building, and the fixed outdoor market stalls were proposed for demolition.

New plans are for the demolition of the existing retail units at 46-56 Laughton Road and the proposed replacement being a two storey building consisting of six retail units.

The design mirrors the existing approved scheme and will now provide two, two storey pitched roof buildings fronting Laughton Road on either side of a new public square where the market will take place, surrounded by commercial units.

If approved, it would mean that 4,300 sq ft of ageing commercial space would be replaced by new build commercial space totalling 4,900 sq ft. This has the potential to take employment numbers from 8 to 12 full time equivalent jobs in this area of the scheme.

Cllr. John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, said: "As part of the plans, we've now revised some of our original plans. So rather than refurbishing the existing buildings on Laughton Road, we are now actually going to be demolishing these. We've done some further survey works and realised they are in a worse condition than we thought. So rather than trying to refurbish them, we are now going to demolish and replace them with some brnad new, purpose built buildings to support the wider regeneration of Dinnington High Street."

Last month, appointed contractors, Ron Hull Demolition, demolished the former florists and dance studio on Laughton Road, which were destroyed by fire.

The Government has confirmed that the spending on the project can be extended from 2026 to 2028. A tender process to appoint a main contractor will begin shortly, with work expected to begin on site in the summer.

There are proposals to temporarily relocate the market while redevelopment works take place.

Rotherham Council website

Images: RMBC

News: How Rotherham Council wants to spend £2.95m on local growth, backing business support, High Streets and more events

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:53:00 +0000

The cabinet at Rotherham Council is set to approve the use of £2.95m of local growth funding, continuing to fund business and employment support services, high profile events and dedicated financial support for High Street units and market traders.

The allocation for 2026/27 is from the Local Growth Fund (LGF), the government funding pot designed to replace the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF - itself a successor to the European Structural Funds) and equip mayors in the North and Midlands to boost regional productivity.

Rotherham's allocation represents a reduction of around 10% compared to the previous year so the focus is on the priorities of supporting local business, people and skills, and communities and place. Funding is set to maintain delivery of priority projects, matching council priorities.

Most of the projects are continuations from the current programme.

For example, a further £666,655 is for the Shop Unit Business Grant Project that has been oversubscribed. It means that more businesses could recieve a 100% grant of up to £10,000. The allocation has been increased to reflect the high demand in 2025/26, with the target areas also expanded.

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£60,000 has been allocated for Rotherham Town Centre Markets, which is currently undergoing a revamp as part of a £40m regeneration scheme. The funding is to "support market traders, raise awareness of the markets and increase footfall, particularly during the construction of the new markets and central library. Specific initiatives are being developed, but could include micro grants for traders (new and existing) and themed events."

Funding is also earmarked for sub-regional projects such as Launchpad business support (£263,257) and business grants related to productivity (£483,588) and low carbon (£200,000).

People and skills projects that support young people who are not in employment, education or training; provide community-based core skills (maths, English and digital) courses and: support working people who want to reach their career potential, are set to share a further £450,000.

Building on the success of the Children’s Capital of Culture traineeships and skills programme, a £300,781 project extension will offer alumni roles in local organisations for previous trainees.

Addressing communities and place, £424,219 is being allocated for a further programme of events delivered throughout the year.

The report adds: "As well as established events such as the Rotherham Show, UPLIFT and Christmas lights switch on, the programme will include school holiday events across the borough, new activities piloted in the town centre, and a St George’s Day event in April."

Images: RMBC

News: Parkgate partners with Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:57:00 +0000

Parkgate, Rotherham’s leading retail hub, has announced a partnership with the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity which will see the partners co-ordinating to organise a series of fundraisers, activities and events for the community at Parkgate, that will raise awareness and much needed funds for the charity.

While the trust receives core funding from the Government, the charity was established to fund vital equipment, services and projects that go beyond the NHS budget to improve care and patient experience. Parkgate will work alongside the charity and its local community to support with a range of initiatives, the first was an incredibly successful appeal for the provision of toiletries for patients and families to use at the hospital in ward areas and end-of-life rooms. Further planned activities include an Easter fundraiser and an exciting and interactive event for Fathers’ Day, amongst other ideas.

The charity, now in its 30th year, is currently raising funds for their Dementia Appeal which aims to raise £250,000 to completely transform multiple hospital wards at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust into warm, welcoming and dementia friendly spaces. Unfamiliar surroundings, loud noise and disruption to daily routines can make a hospital stay distressing for people living with dementia. The charity team want to change that for the thousands of people in the Rotherham community facing dementia, who, at some point will likely require a visit to hospital. The enhancements include dementia-friendly upgrades of lighting and flooring to reduce confusion and promote safety, as well as a variety of calming and engaging activities designed to support wellbeing and reduce anxiety, such as a dementia-style café, games area, therapeutic rooms, a potting shed and welcoming rest spaces that allow family and friends to stay nearby for comfort.

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The partnership builds upon existing charitable partnerships for the park - as the latest commitment from Parkgate in support of local causes. It complements the long running – and continued - relationship with Rotherham Families First, who base themselves at Parkgate and run the hugely successful annual Toy Appeal from the park.

The past few weeks have seen this charitable activity raised up a gear with Parkgate’s recent tie-up with Andy’s Man Club – to promote the work of the mental health group at the park, and the Helping Hands campaign run before Christmas that invited local people to nominate worthy organisations and individuals in need of a “helping hand” over the festive season.

Mark Kanaris-Sotiriou, Senior Operations Manager at Parkgate said: “The community-mindedness we have witnessed here at Parkgate is admirable. We felt our role, at the heart of this community, uniquely positions us to bring that goodwill together to support an amazing community cause in this, their 30th birthday year.

“It is set to be an exciting year ahead and our team is working hard to deliver an exciting programme of events and activities that will bring people together. We really hope the plans ahead will give customers even more reasons to visit Parkgate and will allow us to raise a really meaningful sum of money for such an important charity, whose work touches so many in Rotherham and its surrounding area.”

Rachael Dawes, Head of Charity and Engagement at Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity said: “We are incredibly grateful to Parkgate Rotherham for choosing us as their charity partner for 2026! Their support means so much to us, not only in terms of raising funds for the NHS services we all rely on, but also in helping to shine a light on the vital work our NHS charity does in our community.

“We’re so excited about the fantastic line-up of events planned at Parkgate throughout the year, and the positive impact this partnership will have for patients and families in our community.”

Parkgate website
Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity website

Images: Parkgate

News: New parking system at Forge Island includes four hours free

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:04:00 +0000

Users of the Forge Island leisure development in Rotherham town centre will now be able to park for free for up to four hours.

Forge Island is Rotherham town centre's landmark leisure destination delivered by Rotherham Council in partnership with Muse. The £47m development includes an 8-screen boutique cinema operated by The Arc Cinema and a 69-roomed Travelodge Hotel and food outlets - Vetro Lounge, Sygnature Dish and Heavenly Desserts.

Rothbiz reported last month on a council decision regarding a hybrid, ticketless parking system to introduce new concessionary free parking and new parking charges. An original tariff for the 340 space car park has never been implemented due to "operational issues."

The chosen option introduces concessions for all other businesses as part of the Forge Island development alongside the current free parking for cinema and hotel users.

From this week, the authority is implementing parking fees of up to 1 hour for free with up to 2 hours costing £2.50, up to 4 hours would be £5, and up to 24 hours would be £8.

Additionally, parking concessions have been extended to customers of all businesses located within the Forge Island development providing four hours of free parking.

Guests at the Travelodge are still entitled to free overnight parking between 4pm and 10am.

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An update from the Council states: "Enter your registration number on the devices in the business you're visiting. Our automated number plate recognition system will take care of the rest!

"You can of course park for longer than four hours - but just the first four hours are free. If you stay longer, you'll need to pay for the remainder of your visit.

"If you’re not visiting Forge Island businesses, you can still park for up to an hour for free, but longer stays will incur a charge. You will need to pay at a pay station before returning to your vehicle."

In making the decision, the authority explained that it had experienced difficulties in attracting businesses to Forge Island and in letting the units, and had received complaints from the tenants in respect of the car park.

In October 2025, the council's Parking Services staff were drafted in to ensure the site was used appropriately following "heavy usage by non-genuine customers," given the proximity to Riverside House, the police station and the AESSEAL New York Stadium.

Forge Island website

Images: Muse / Google Maps

News: Dinnington regen plans updated as demolition set to begin

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:12:00 +0000

A multimillion pound regeneration scheme in a Rotherham town needs updating but work on site is set to begin later this month with the demolition of burnt-out buildings.

The revamp of Dinnington market, approved in 2024, includes clearing derelict buildings, creating a new town square, and developing purpose-built commercial units to diversify the local offer.

The project, backed by £11m in Government funding, aims to improve the outdoor market, pedestrian routes, and public spaces - creating a healthier, safer, and more sustainable environment for residents, visitors, and businesses.

Revised plans are now being prepared for units on Laughton Road.

After detailed surveys revealed the buildings were in a worse condition than anticipated, the Council now intends to fully demolish and rebuild the buildings rather than refurbish them to deliver a safer, higher‑quality and future‑proofed space for businesses that will also better meet the needs of the community.

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

The new building plans will be submitted for planning approval this month. A tender process to appoint a main contractor will begin shortly, with work expected to begin on site in the summer.

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Rotherham Council, who acquired the required properties last year, recently appointed local firm, Ron Hull Demolition, to carry out work on site. The demolition, which will start on February 23, will include the removal of the former florists and dance studio on Laughton Road, which were destroyed by fire.

Demolition work is expected to be completed by March.

The £12m redevelopment of the high street will include a new public square with a flexible pack-away market, purpose-built commercial units creating new opportunities for local businesses, and improved pedestrian links between transport hubs and the high street. Interest from businesses in the scheme is high.

Cllr. John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, said: “I’m delighted to see the first steps being taken in this exciting new chapter for Dinnington.

“The demolition marks a significant milestone, clearing away buildings that have long been seen as eyesores and signalling the start of real, visible progress.

“Our decision to demolish the remaining buildings rather than refurbish them means that residents, businesses and visitors to Dinnington can expect a brand-new development to be proud of. We want to make sure the regeneration of the high street is as cost-effective as possible and rebuilding the units now will mean we avoid costly refurbishment work in the future.

“This is just the beginning of a transformation that will bring lasting benefits to the town and its community. It’s all part of the Council’s commitment to ensuring places are thriving, safe and clean.”

The Government has confirmed that the spending on the project can be extended from 2026 to 2028.

Images: Google Maps / RMBC / AHR

News: Council sets aside £700k to support businesses on Rotherham's high streets

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 11:50:00 +0000

High street businesses across Rotherham are in line for much-needed support with local and regional business support agencies setting aside resources to target "High Street Heroes."

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has recently launched High Street Heroes, a fully funded programme designed especially for South Yorkshire's independent retailers and high street businesses.

Delivered by Novus Marketing Solutions, the programme is designed to help real businesses build confidence, attract customers, and feel more in control of their online presence. Supporting shop owners, market traders, cafés, restaurants, hospitality venues, and service providers that have a physical presence, it includes practical workshops, 1-to-1 consultations, events and resources.

A spokesperson for the scheme said: "Running a high street business today comes with constant pressure. From managing stock and serving customers to dealing with rising costs and trying to keep up online, it can often feel like there is never enough time to step back and focus on growth.

"High Street Heroes has been created to give independent high street businesses access to support that is clear, friendly, and designed to fit around real working days. Everything is explained in plain English, with a focus on ideas that can be used straight away rather than theory or jargon.

"High streets are at the heart of local communities. When independent businesses feel supported and confident, it benefits not just the shops themselves but the towns and people around them.

"High Street Heroes is about backing those businesses with the right kind of support at the right time, helping South Yorkshire’s high streets move forward together."

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Rotherham Council is looking to further support high streets in the town centre, Swinton, Wath, Maltby and Dinnington.

Rothbiz reported last year that the authority's Shop Unit Business Grant Project was oversubscribed but it looks like further funding has been found.

With an initial £270,000 from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), a decision was made in December 2025 to allocate a further £117,643 to the project from the same pot to meet demand.

And following the capital investment, a £304,000 figure is included in the council's budget for 2025/26 to introduce three new Business Support Officers to engage with businesses in the town centre areas, helping them to flourish.

A council report states: "The purpose of the proposed £304,000 investment is to introduce 3 new Business Support Officers to engage with businesses in these areas to ensure that resources are focused on tackling the issues that matter most and so that successes can be effectively communicated.

"As well as providing a visible presence, and becoming known, in the various locations they will provide initial business advice, help to co-ordinate local promotions, signpost to other services (e.g. grant opportunities) and co-ordinate with other Council departments. They will also have access to a small budget in each of the five locations to support local activities e.g. promotional campaigns or local events."

The aim is to allow for greater engagement with ward members, businesses and residents with the officers working across the five main town centre locations, but also be available to provide support to business in other high street locations across the borough.

Further investment for certain high streets is also on its way through the Pride in Place long term funding allocated by the government - £20m over the next ten years for building Pride in Place in the Rotherham Central area and £20m over the next ten years for building Pride in Place in Maltby East.

High Street Heroes website
On the High Streets website
RiDO website

Images: RMBC / Pugh Auctions

News: Health Hub work to get underway in Rotherham town centre

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:13:00 +0000

The first phase of a new Health Hub in Rotherham town centre can get underway after contractors were appointed by the council, but costs have risen.

Rothbiz reported last year on the authority's plans to introduce "Health on the High Street" in a bid to improve access to health services and increase footfall.

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

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

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

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

For phase 1, Morris and Spottiswood Ltd, which is registered in Glasgow but has an office in Leeds, has been appointed on a direct award by the council on a contract worth £843,580 to carry out ground floor internal modifications and a potential fit-out to accommodate the relocation of Abbey Pharmacy.

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

£1.7m has been secured from the Pathfinder funds (now Local Regeneration Fund). Government pathfinder funding was moved away from the live music venue project to the health hub project. Phase 2 funds are to investigate using the remainder of the building for GPs, Health or Wellbeing operators.

The total funding required for phase 1 has increased from £1.3m to £1.47m which leaves less for feasibility studies for phase 2.

A council report explains: "At the start of this project, a direct award procurement route was recommended on the basis of accelerating the procurement process and appointing a contractor as quickly as possible given the multi-million pound Market Redevelopment scheme is dependent on ensuring timely vacant possession of the Indoor Covered Market.

"Following receipt of tender prices and a full independent review of the project and its costs, the cost for Phase 1 will now be higher than the allocated budget. It is proposed that the increased costs for Phase 1 are funded by reducing the budget allocated for undertaking Phase 2 feasibility works, whilst still working within the same budget envelope for the overall scheme. This will mean the scope of works for Phase 2 will have to be reduced or further funding identified at a later stage for completion of Phase 2.

"To maintain alignment with the wider town centre programme and avoid delays to the Markets project, it is recommended that Phase 1 proceeds on the basis of the tendered figure. Sufficient flexibility exists within the overall £1.7m Health Hub allocation to accommodate the Phase 1 variance while still enabling Phase 2 feasibility work. Approval is therefore sought to utilise part of the Phase 2 envelope to meet the Phase 1 cost pressure."

Images: RMBC

News: Unique retailer ready to level up long-vacant Rotherham unit

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:21:00 +0000

Expansion could be on the cards again for a Pokémon-themed shop and café in Rotherham town centre.

Moving across town from the Imperial Buildings and transforming a vacant unit in The Old Town Hall in 2023, enterprising Lee Kucia has created a haven for Pokémon fans, offering cards, booster boxes, toys and graded cards. The theme continues into a Coffee House serving barista coffee, hot drinks, cake and sandwiches that also offers space for trading and playing.

Under the name, PokiLee, Lee has amassed over 11,000 subscribers on YouTube who catch him opening packs, interacting with customers and various other live streams.

Rothbiz reported last year on PokiLee's PokiWorld securing planning permission to enable an expansion into a next door unit within the historic Old Town Hall.

Having renamed as PokiLee's CardCade, now another set of plans has been submitted for a change of use at a new retail unit in Rotherham town centre - a bigger building which will allow both businesses to operate cohesively from one location.

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14 Howard Street is part of the Cascades Centre, opposite the Old Town Hall, in between the Rotherham Interchange and Rotherham Markets.

Formerly an Argos store, the unit features 8,500 sq ft over two floors.

In 2020, Sainsbury's, the owner of Argos, picked out the Howard Street outlet as part of a national programme of store closures.

It has been largely empty apart from a short period in 2025, operating as Big Deals Rotherham.

The planning application states: "The retail business is presently operated from Units 20-21, Old Town Hall, Rotherham, and has established a strong customer base, attracting visitors from across the wider region. An associated small-scale, family-orientated amusement use is operated from the adjoining premises at 18-19 Old Town Hall.

"Due to the continued success and growth of the business, the applicant is relocating to a larger unit at 14 Howard Street in order to consolidate the existing retail, coffee house and amusement elements into a single premises. As a result, the proposed use of the new property requires a change from a single retail use to a retail-led mixed use, allowing the business to operate cohesively from one location.

"The proposal retains retail as the principal use of the premises, with the shopfront and primary public-facing areas continuing to operate as a retail unit. The amusement machine elements are complementary to the main retail use and are intended to enhance customer experience and support town-centre vitality."

Pokilee's CardCade website

Images: Rees Denton / Pokilee

News: New showroom opens at Rotherham retail park

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 09:04:00 +0000

It's a solid start to the year for a popular shopping destination in Rotherham with a furniture specialist taking one of the last remaining units.

And there could be more to come with the final empty unit now listed as being under offer.

Recently opening on Boxing Day, Oak & More's showroom is at Unit 12 on the Parkgate Shopping Park.

Oak & More has an enviable selection of products to suit customer tastes, including glass, marble and painted furniture products together with classic solid oak furniture. Furniture is created by a UK-based design team, and all wood furniture ranges have no chipboard, veneer or MDF and are delivered pre-built unlike flat-pack alternatives. The majority of Oak & More's products are available with a 48-hour delivery option.

The 15,000 sq ft showroom has taken over the unit in between TK Maxx and Shoezone. It was previously home to SCS Sofas.

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Oak & More’s Chief Executive, Paul Isom said: “Opening our Rotherham showroom gives us a great opportunity to showcase what Oak & More does best — exceptional solid wood furniture, marble and more. We’re passionate about craftsmanship, durability, and timeless design, and we’re excited for customers in Rotherham to experience the quality that sets our pieces apart.”

The retailer opened with a special customer promotion: Win Your Order Back - one lucky customer receiving the full value on their qualifying in-store purchase, up to the value of £2,000.

Last month, the owners of Parkgate Shopping confirmed that The Food Warehouse would open 12,500 sq ft store in 2026, a newly reconfigured store space in the former TUI unit next to Morrisons.

Agents for the park, Curson Sowerby Partners, have the 11,110 sq ft Unit 2 down as being under offer on its website. The unit was vacated when Sports Direct moved in 2024 to a larger new multi-fascia unit for the Frasers Group comprising USC, Sports Direct and Everlast.

A tebabt for Unit 2 has not yet been announced.

Oak & More website
Parkgate Shopping website

Images: Oak & More

News: Demolition plans for Rotherham retail parade

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:16:00 +0000

The wrecking ball appears to be imminent for a parade of council-owned shops on the edge of Rotherham town centre.

Rothbiz reported in May that the derelict properties that make up 86 - 102 Wellgate were set to be sold off by the council and scheduled to go under the hammer with Pugh's online property auction.

The lot was withdrawn before the auction took place.

Now Rotherham Council has secured planning permission regarding the method of demolition for the vacant parade of shops.

Planning documents state: "The application proposes the full demolition of the terraced properties including foundations and bases, leaving the site area evenly graded, backfilling voids with clean fill material to remove all trip hazards.

"The demolition works will take approximately 10 weeks to complete with the materials being removed from site for recycling where possible by a licensed facility.

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"Following completion of the works, the boundary to Wellgate will be secured by 2.5m high solid hoarding security panels until future development of the site is undertaken.

"The buildings are no longer fit for purpose and deteriorating in condition. The buildings are proposed to be demolished, and future development of the site will then be considered."

When up for auction the lot was given the guide price of £25,000 and advertised as a redevelopment opportunity comprising a site extending to approximately 0.19 acres. A legal clause stated that the site will be required to be redeveloped for residential purposes only.

Rothbiz reported back in 2021 that the authority had set aside £200,000 from its budget for a programme to demolish the underutilised parade.

When housing developments were being built on the Henley's Garage site nearby - two apartment blocks containing 34 homes and 20 two and three-storey terraced houses - Rotherham Council said that the Wellgate parade of units was "considered a blight on the improving area."

Images: Google Maps

News: New food offerings in Rotherham town centre

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:10:00 +0000

The food offer in Rotherham town centre looks to be getting a few new additions - from traditional fayre to vibrant West African cuisine, from fast food to whole foods.

Amala on Point specialises in Nigerian food and has been serving the local community through its catering services at weddings and parties. It has now applied for a premises licence for 1 Effingham Square.

Plans show a small three table restuarant and, if approved, the licence would enable the provision of late night refreshment and the sale by retail of alcohol. Opening hours would be 11am to midnight on Monday to Wednesday and 11am to 1am on Thursday to Sunday.

The name Amala comes from a popular Nigerian "swallow" food which are starchy, dough-like staples made from ingredients like cassava, yam, plantain, or corn, served as an accompaniment to soups and stews.

The Amala on Point menu, also available for delivery, includes various speciality soups, seasoned beef, chicken and fish and favourites like jollof rice.

On Domine Lane, Sol Cafe is a cafe with a distinct difference - its menu is based around sugar-free dishes and whole foods.

Taking space in what was recently part of The Forge pub, Sol serves delicious homemade bakes and handcrafted drinks. Think smoothie and porridge bowls, turmeric lattes and iced matcha.

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Around the corner in Westgate Chambers, plans have been submitted for another fast food outlet.

The £10m development has become a foodie destination with the openings of burger and milkshakes specialist, Munchies, and Cali's - a specialist in chicken burgers, wraps, wings and tenders, plus Dessert Time, the home of indulgent desserts.

Another planning application has now been submitted for one of the largest remaining units - 2 Main Street - the former Tryst / Bar One.

The application is for part of the old bar / nightclub that fronts Main Street leaving the remaining space fronting Westgate still to be let.

Plans for a change of use to a take away with extraction design and associated works have been drawn up by Space Studio, and show a kitchen, prep and serving counter with a small seating area to the front.

The applicant is Maison de Grill, which shares a director with Sheffield's Maison de Burgers - an outlet on London Road that specialises in chicken burgers, smash burgers, wraps and shakes.

On the High Street in Rotherham town centre, GW Fish & Chips has recently opened. Converting an empty retail unit that was saved as part of Chris Hamby's pioneering heritage-led regeneration scheme, the new outlet has a traditional fish & chip menu and is from the team behind the Empire Theatre.

Sol Cafe Instagram
GW Fish & Chips Facebook

Images: Sol Cafe Instagram

News: How the new Rotherham markets might look when complete

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:16:00 +0000

As progress continues on the construction of the new £40m markets and library development in Rotherham town centre, the architect has given a hint at what it might look like inside.

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.

The renovations will build upon the existing mix of shops and services with the addition of a new food hub and dining area on the first floor. The outdoor market was initially expected to become a flexible space which can be used for exhibitions and events when required. The second floor will host contemporary office spaces for charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups.

The library is set to include a high-quality children’s area with fun spaces for reading and storytelling, and a dedicated IT area and business development facility. The second floor will contain meeting facilities and a Maker Space for learning and exploring using the latest technology.

Once work is completed on the outdoor market and library, work will commence on the refurbishment of the indoor market.

With nearly 500 tonnes of steel already installed and the basement steelwork complete, the new covered market and library are on track to open in spring 2026, with full redevelopment due in early 2027.

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Niemen Blume Architects were appointed as the architect and lead designer last year to lead the Stage 4 and 5 design process and oversee the redesign of key project elements in partnership with contractor, Henry Boot Construction, and Adept Consulting Engineers.

Scott Lunn, Director and Project Lead at Niemen Architects, said on appointment: “It’s incredibly exciting to be part of the Rotherham Markets and Library project, especially as Rotherham is my hometown. I have fond memories of visiting the Markets as a child, and it’s a privilege to play a key role in the revitalisation of such a prominent and recognised location.”

Niemen explained that one of the key design elements of the project is converting the existing outdoor covered market to become a fully enclosed market hall with flexible trading spaces alongside fixed market stalls.

Inside visitors can expect a comprehensive refurbishment of existing indoor retail spaces and the integration of a new dining level providing a mix of social spaces within the retail environment.

The project, second only in the town centre to Forge Island in terms of investment, also comes with a public realm element with the creation of flexible external public spaces capable of hosting diverse community events and exhibitions.

Niemen Blume Architects website

Images: Niemen Blume

News: Major food retailer sets sights on Rotherham retail park

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:27:00 +0000

One of Britain’s fastest-growing and most innovative retailers is looking set to open one of its large format stores in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported in March on the owners of Parkgate Shopping in Rotherham submitting plans for Units 17 and 18 with the talk of new tenants.

The approval of the plans has enabled TUI to take a smaller unit next to its Holiday Superstore and move its Rotherham operations.

One of the world's leading integrated tourism business has taken over the former One Below / One Beyond discount store. Launched by Poundworld founders, One Below opened its first Rotherham store in the former Maplin unit at Parkgate Shopping in April 2019. It still operates in Rotherham town centre.

The application at Parkgate was for the reconfigurement of the internal layout, including the mezzanine, a new trolley bay and new solar panels.

Following TUI's relocation, commercial property agents are now showing that The Food Warehouse is taking the former TUI unit next to Morrisons.

The Food Warehouse is part of the Iceland Foods Group and is revolutionising the way that people shop in stores. It takes the same product lines as Iceland and extends them in a warehouse space, giving customers the ability to buy in bulk and take advantage of the savings.

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With a new mezzanine level, Unit 18 at Parkgate would provide 13,600 sq ft of space which will allow for The Food Warehouse's super simple store layouts with wider and fewer aisles.

The retailers have a huge range of exclusive brand products across some of the best-known names in the UK, including Slimming World, Greggs, TGI's, Chiquito's and more. It also offers multi-buy deals, including 5 for £5, 3 for £10 and 8 for £10 deals whilst homeware and seasonal specials are also available in larger stores.

Having launched in 2014. a major milestone for The Food Warehouse was reached last month with the opening of the 200th store.

Iceland currently operates in Parkgate already, and at Eastwood. Its products are also available through partnerships with the likes of Wilko and The Range.

Agents, Morgan Williams and CSP Retail list The Food Warehouse as a new letting in the last 12 months at Parkgate Shopping alongside Footasylum, Starbucks, Pavers, Superdrug and My Dentist. Just two large units remain vacant.

An opening date for the new Food Warehouse in Rotherham is not yet known.

Rothbiz also reported in January on approved outline plans for another new unit at Parkgate, on land next to Matalan which was previously used as a Park & Ride for the tram-train. No tenant has been announced here but the proposal is for a 20,000 sq ft rectangular unit "that is the required format of food retailers in order to provide linear aisle for convenience goods shopping."

The Food Warehouse website
Parkgate Shopping website

Images: The Food Warehouse

News: Parkgate unveils the first phase of its rebrand

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:14:00 +0000

Shoppers visiting Parkgate in Rotherham will notice an exciting transformation as the retail destination launches the first phase of its rebrand. The refresh includes a modern, up-to-date logo and a brand-new website designed to make it easier for visitors to stay informed about everything happening at Parkgate.

The Parkgate team will be debuting new uniforms featuring the refreshed branding with new signage also planned. The rebrand is another clear sign of the positive energy and ongoing improvements at Parkgate, bringing together a dynamic new team, including Mark Kanaris-Sotiriou as Senior Operations Manager and Alex Parkinson as Operational Support Supervisor, welcoming exciting new brands, and continually enhancing the shopping experience for its loyal shopper base.

The new branding, launched at the end of October, will also be joined by brand-new Christmas decorative displays to welcome in the festive season.

Mark Kanaris-Sotiriou Senior Operations Manager at Parkgate said: "We’re proud to launch the first phase of our new brand at Parkgate. Since joining the team in April, there’s been a real sense of positive change and energy with Alex joining us, the opening of a new link road and Park & Ride, and a range of new lettings. This new look reflects that momentum and our commitment to continually improving Parkgate for our shoppers and retailers."

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Parkgate recently launched the Families First Christmas Toy Appeal. Every year, the borough comes together to make sure no child wakes up without a gift on Christmas morning. Since 1991, the appeal works closely with schools, social services, and local charities to ensure toys reach children who need them most.

Shoppers pick an age tag from the trees at Parkgate Shopping for a child they’d like to buy for, from 0-18. Gifts to the maximum value of £20 can then be dropped off at any of the stores on Parkgate Shopping for the attention of the Christmas Toy Appeal.

Last year over 2,250 children in Rotherham had a present waiting under the tree thanks to the appeal.

The past twelve months have also seen a wave of new lettings, with popular names such as Footasylum, Wilko and a revamped Superdrug, and some more exciting announcements in the pipeline.

The latest move has seen TUI take a smaller unit next to its Holiday Superstore to move its operations.

Plans have also been approved to enable My Dentist to open in the former Superdrug unit.

Parkgate Shopping website

Images: Parkgate Shopping / TUI

News: Plans approved for empty building in Rotherham town centre

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 09:15:00 +0000

A planning application has been approved that would enable a prominent empty building in Rotherham town centre to be brought back into use.

The corner building at the foot of the regenerated High Street has been up for sale for £100,000.

Totaling nearly 11,000 sq ft, the building was previously home to Eastwood Domestics in the 2,500 sq ft High Street unit which sits alongside the 4,000 sq ft former Dorothy Perkins and Burton unit. The second floor has its own entrance and was the home of Central Snooker Club, a club with an 80 year history.

Rothbiz reported in September on plans which show the ground floor split into two units. The larger unit looks set to be used as a convenience store with a smaller unit, with a new entrance fronting High Street, acting as a lobby for a coffee shop and cultural centre on the first floor.

The application is for the installation of a new entrance door on the front elevation and a change of use of the first floor from Commercial (Class E) to Sui Generis (a use that does not fall within any particular use class).

The plans, from Huseyin Esendemir and drawn up by Architechnica LTD, state: "The proposal seeks to create a self-contained unit on the first floor, enabling its independent use from the ground floor commercial premises. This change of use is necessary to make the first-floor space viable for a new purpose, specifically Turkish Cultural Centre/coffee shop."

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The plans were approved without going before the planning board at Rotherham Council. It comes with a number of conditions.

Planners concluded that the new use as a community centre and coffee shop is an acceptable use in the area which is allocated for retail. Only a small area of the ground floor will be impacted by the plans.

An officer's report, addd: "The only external alteration would be in the insertion of double entrance doors to the elevation fronting High Street. This alteration is relatively minor and would match the existing shop front as the doors would be constructed with matching aluminium frames. It is considered that the insertion of the doors would not harm the overall character and appearance of the existing shop front and would not impact on the setting of the adjacent Grade II listed building, No. 1 High Street."

If the premises was to be used for the commercial cooking of food, an Odour Impact Assessment will need to be approved by the council and any proposed extraction plant will also need signing off.

The building is not listed but was on Rotherham Civic Society's local list which compiled properties of architectural or historic interest. The society stated that: "No.2 High Street had been purchased by Montague Burton Ltd in 1926 with a view to expanding its presence in Rotherham. Following discussions with the Rotherham Corporation it became apparent that, due to the highway authority's plans to ease the College Street / High Street corner, Nos. 4 & 6 would need to be acquired in order to provide a site of sufficient size for Burton's new premises.

"In December 1929 the company's proposals for the new store were approved and the old property was demolished. The new building, designed by Harry Wilson, Architect, of Roundhay in Leeds was completed in 1931."

A number of uses have been recorded since then including Hart's wallpaper shop, Peter Lord's shoe shop and a ballroom / dance hall above.

Images: SMC Brownhill Vickers

News: Major Chinese car brands open showrooms in Rotherham

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 11:17:00 +0000

Two prominent Chinese auto manufacturers have opened at established car dealerships in Rotherham.

At Parkgate, Evans Halshaw has recently added BYD vehicles as part of a growing partnership between the dealer and the Shenzhen brand.

Taking over the current Evans Halshaw Ford dealership on Aldwarke Road, the site offers both new and used BYD cars, plus a selection of used cars of all makes and models. In addition to BYD aftersales, the site will remain a Ford Authorised Repairer, with the current team staying in place for servicing, MOTs, and repairs.

With another new outlet in Chesterfield, Evans Halshaw now has five BYD dealerships, showcasing the Atto 2 compact SUV, the plug-in hybrid SEAL U DM-i, and the Dolphin Surf city car.

The brand sold over 11,271 cars in September 2025, representing a substantial rise of 880% compared to the same month last year. The UK is the largest international market for BYD outside of China.

Rob Miller, group vice president of multi brand, said: “We are thrilled to be expanding our BYD network with the opening of these two new dealerships in Chesterfield and Rotherham.

“This marks an exciting step forward in the growing partnership between Evans Halshaw and BYD.

“Together, we’re committed to delivering exceptional service and bringing innovative electric and hybrid vehicles to more customers across the UK.”

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At the historic "Mushroom Garage" at Aldwarke, Geely has joined the Stoneacre family.

The Hangzhou-based manufacturer is one of the world’s most innovative automotive brands and has launched in the UK with Stoneacre's Goole, Hull, and Rotherham dealerships being among the first in the country to showcase the new vehicles such as the fully electric SUV - the Geely EX5.

Part of the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Geely’s global family includes Volvo Cars, Polestar, Lotus, Lynk & Co, ZEEKR, and LEVC (the makers of London’s famous electric taxis).

A spokesperson for Stoneacre, said: "At Stoneacre, we’re passionate about giving our customers more choice, more innovation, and more excitement behind the wheel. Partnering with Geely reinforces our reputation as one of the UK’s most diverse and forward-thinking motor groups.

"With over 100 franchise outlets nationwide, Stoneacre is proud to welcome Geely into our expanding electric and hybrid line-up. From Goole, Hull, and Rotherham, we’ll be giving drivers their first taste of this revolutionary new brand."

It remains to be seen if the Renault car on top of the prominent showroom is replaced.

Evans Halshaw website
Stonacre website

Images: Evans Halshaw

News: Stems puts down new roots in Rotherham

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 07:56:00 +0000

An established Rotherham florist is looking to blossom at new premises in the borough.

Stems Floral Design was established over 20 years ago, selling flowers, plants and homeware in Rotherham town centre. Having bloomed at a shop on Corporation Street, in 2019 it moved to new premises in All Saints Square.

Taking over the former Bows Women's clothes shop in Wickersley, Stems is now offering its floral gifts for all occasions, and also for funerals, weddings and celebrations, at the new location.

The new Bawtry Road store also stocks a gorgeous array of home interior and beautiful gifts, with wreath-making workshops planned for the run up to Christmas.

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Posts on social media described the move as an end of an era but the business was excited to make the move to Wickersley. A facebook post read: "We had just seven days to turn things around for the opening day, and we had plenty of glitches along the way. However we just about made it with the help of some wonderful people."

It is a changing time for Wickersley. Following the closure of Bows in June, another longstanding retalier on the same street, Carol Ann has also recently closed.

Carol, who is retiring, specialised in ladies designer fashion and accessories. She posted on facebook: "It’s been a privilege to serve you. To share in all your happy times and sometimes your sad times. I am overwhelmed by all of your kind words, the many cards and gifts. For everyone who has been brave enough to cross the threshold of my boutique and then been braver still to keep returning.Thank you.

"For all the fabulous women who have modelled for me and the army of helpers who have made it possible for me to just look good at my job. Thank you. Just remember… you are all beautiful…"

At 161 Bawtry Road, new signage has been been installed indicating that a new restaurant and lounge called Man'char is set to open in the former Chaudrys Restaurant unit.

Stems website

Images: Stems

News: £20m+ government funding to restore pride in Rotherham neighbourhoods

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 09:22:00 +0000

Rotherham is set to benefit from the funding behind the government’s new Pride in Place Strategy, launched this week to help build stronger communities, create thriving places and empower local people.

Maltby has been named as one of the areas that will receive £2m every year for a decade.

And building on the £20m Plan for neighbourhoods, Rotherham will also receive £1.5m to restore pride in place, support community cohesion, and stimulate local economic activity through visible, short-term, community-led improvements.

The Pride in Place programme is described as an unprecedented programme backed by record funding that lets local people call the shots on where and how money is spent in their communities, restoring local pride and helping them reclaim their streets.

Areas were selected as being "doubly disadvantaged" by both the highest deprivation levels and weakest social infrastructure. The additional places focus on smaller geographies, targeting hyper-local pockets of deprivation which have too often fallen through the cracks of national interventions.

Similar to the Neighbourhood boards being established to oversee where funding is spent, boards will need to genuinely engage their communities, so that community groups, local organisations and social clubs have been included in decisions.

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Interventions could include reviving high streets, restoring parks, and breathing new life into pubs, leisure centres and community halls.

Communities will also gain new powers to seize boarded-up shops, block nuisance businesses, and buy beloved local assets before they close – restoring pride and unity to every corner of the country.

The up to £5 billion package includes an additional £3.5 billion to roll out the Plan for neighbourhoods programme to 169 more areas, each receiving up to £20m over ten years. Separately, 95 areas receive a share of £150m capital funding to improve public spaces, parks and high streets.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "For too long, people have watched their towns and streets decline – powerless to stop boarded-up shops and neglected parks. That ends now.

"We’re investing in the UK’s future, by backing the true patriots that build our communities up in neighbourhoods across every corner of the country. Because it’s people who bring pride, hope and life to our communities.

"This is a huge investment, but what matters most is who decides how it’s spent: the neighbours, volunteers and parents who know their communities best – the people with real skin in the game.

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed added: “When people step out of their front doors, they know their communities are struggling. They see shuttered pubs, fading high streets and their local areas in decline.

“Yes, communities have been stretched – but they haven’t given up. They’re working hard to make things better, and we’re backing them.

“The Government is putting power into their hands so local people decide how best to restore pride in their neighbourhoods, not us in Westminster.

“That’s what real patriotism looks like: building up our communities and choosing renewal over division.”

Images: Beecroft Estates

News: Businesses already showing interest in £12m Rotherham regeneration scheme

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:08:00 +0000

Current tenants and prospective new occupiers are already showing interest in a new multimillion pound regeneration scheme in a Rotherham town.

The revamp of DInnington market recently cleared a major hurdle with the Government’s Planning Inspector approving Rotherham Council’s bid to acquire key property in the area.

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

The plans include clearing derelict buildings, creating a new town square, and developing purpose-built commercial units to diversify the local offer.

The project, backed by £11m in Government funding, aims to improve the outdoor market, pedestrian routes, and public spaces - creating a healthier, safer, and more sustainable environment for residents, visitors, and businesses.

As well as improving the high street’s aesthetics and accessibility, the project will also create new opportunities for local businesses and the town centre including increased footfall and events.

The letter from the inspector exlains that: "an aspiration of the scheme is to retain the existing businesses, and four of the current businesses have indicated that they wish to return to the development, and will be accommodated. There has been no marketing to date but a further five new businesses have indicated that they wish to have premises within the new scheme which shows that there is already an appetite for the development.

"Some of the displaced occupiers do not wish to return to the scheme, for example the Colliery Band, but they have been helped to relocate to suitable premises elsewhere [in the old library on Laughton Road]."

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To carry out the plans, that were approved in 2024, the council needs to acquire acquire all outstanding interests in 32A Laughton Road, the indoor market at 34 Laughton Road, a parade of terraced retail units at 36 – 56 Laughton Road, the open area to the rear of Laughton Road which is used as the outdoor market with fixed market stalls, the colliery band building and two passageways at either end of the plot.

The inspector concluded: "It is evident that there needs to be a comprehensive redevelopment of the Order Land to regenerate not only the market area itself but also the wider town centre. The development needs to take place in this location as part of the town centre to provide the benefits to the wider retail area, remove the unsightly elements and provide the new town square.

"Whilst all of the objectors to the CPO have withdrawn their objections prior to the opening of the inquiry, the actual acquisition of all of the plots had not yet occurred, and the making of the CPO alongside the ongoing negotiations help to ensure that the scheme could be achieved within a reasonable timescale."

Work to appoint a contractor is expected to take place in the New Year before work starts on site.

The Government has confirmed that the spending on the project can be extended from 2026 to 2028.

Cllr. Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, said: “It’s fantastic news that the CPO has been confirmed meaning work can progress on the redevelopment of Dinnington High Street. The work will make a huge impact on the local area, not just in terms of how it looks, but how it’s accessed and help and foster a renewed sense of pride in the town.

“We’ve all been frustrated about the length of time it’s taken to reach this stage - it was never going to be easy with some of the challenges we've faced in acquiring parts of the site. However, now that the CPO has been granted, we remain totally committed to forging ahead on delivering the improvements that residents and businesses have been waiting for.”

Rother Valley MP Jake Richards, spoke at the public inquiry and said: "It is vital that the project happens. Dinnington has never lost its character, and everyone pulls together but investment is desperately needed.

"Dinnington is a market town, and the scheme will reorientate and modernise the market place and bring better integration with the town centre. The aim is not just cosmetic, but the scheme offers a comprehensive approach and responds to the public interest."

Richards described the project as "a golden opportunity that will be a catalyst for local growth."

Images: RMBC / AHR / Google Maps

News: Rotherham town centre store closes following national retailer's administration

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 08:58:00 +0000

The administrators of a struggling national retail chain has announced the closure of all stores having been unable to find a buyer.

Interpath were appointed joint administrators to G.R. & M.M. Blackledge plc, trading as Bodycare, on September 5.

Founded in 1970 on a market stall in Lancashire, Bodycare is a high street retailer of branded health and beauty products, as well as fragrances and bathroom consumables. The Company traded from 147 stores across the UK and employed circa 1,500 people.

The Rotherham Bodycare store within the Interchange in the town centre has now closed. It follows the town cetre closure of Boots and Superdrug in recent years with health and beauty products now covered by the discount chains, the market and Tesco.

Interpath said: "In common with a number of other bricks and mortar retailers, the Company has faced a number of challenges in recent years which have negatively impacted its financial position. This included rising costs, including rent and people costs, a delayed transition to its online retail platform, and the cost-of-living crisis impacting its customer base."

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The joint administrators had been liaising with a number of parties who had expressed interest in the business, including interest in the Bodycare brand. Stores closed whilst discussions remained ongoing, but now administrators confirm that a sale of the stores is now unlikely and have annouced the closure of the remaining stores, including Rotherham.

A statement from Interpath said: "Given the shortage of stock and significant costs associated with operating stores, it is no longer viable to continue to trade the business.

"Regrettably, all 444 members of staff at these locations will be made redundant upon the closing of their respective stores. The administrators will continue to provide all support to those impacted, including supporting them with claims to the Redundancy Payments Service."

Nick Holloway, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, said: “We understand this has been a difficult period and so we want to further express our sincere thanks to Bodycare’s staff who, since day one of the administration, have maintained the strong standards of presentation and customer service that Bodycare was renowned for.

“We will continue to explore options for the Company’s assets, including the Bodycare brand, and will provide further updates in due course.”

Images: Google Maps

News: Three cheers! Rotherham operator planning third venue

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 08:03:00 +0000

A popular bar operator with two sites already in Rotherham is planning to open in a third unit.

The move marks a massive turnaround from being locked out of the original premises by previous landlords.

Rothbiz reported in June that Roadhouse Bar & Bottles was preparing to reopen its premises at Stag roundabout. In 2024 they had closed for the "forseeable future" "due to circumstances outside of our control."

A planning application has now been submitted that would enable the operators to take on an empty retail unit just next door.

Formerly the Paws to Hooves pet shop before it relocated to Wickersley, the application is for a change of use with the Roadhouse operator hoping to use the 1,387 sq ft of space to create a wine and cocktail bar with a function room on the first floor.

Currently the unit includes a sales area and store to ground floor level and at first floor level there is a further storage, kitchenette and WC facilities.

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A bar and tables would be installed downstairs with toilets for customers upstairs along with a function room.

Plans also show a proposal for a retractable canopy to the side in the seating area already used by patrons of the Roadhouse.

It is thought that the two venues would operate separately but share the outside seating area.

Roadhouse originally opened in 2021 in the former supermarket store room at the Stag site. It has hosted art events and live music and also operates as a bottle shop offering beers, wines and spirits.

Operators found themselves locked out just before Valentine's Day in 2024 with notices of peaceable re-entry by the landlord on display at both the Roadhouse and Rancheros premises.

The property which contains both, 154 - 156 Wickersley Road, was listed for sale with Crosthwaite Commercial in October 2023, expecting offers around £350,000 for the freehold interest.

London-based The Bampton Property Group Limited, secured planning permission at the end of 2023 to refurbish the building.

A second Roadhouse micropub opened in a former opticians in Dinnington in 2024.

Roadhouse Facebook page

Images: SMC Chartered surveyors

News: New Rotherham retail development filling up as dentist next on the waiting list

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 08:16:00 +0000

Changes are being made at a new retail development in Rotherham to enable a dentist to take space that was initially earmarked for offices.

Olive Lane opened earlier this year at Waverley and signing up to the scheme is a Tesco store, vets, nursery and restaurants. A medical centre and community centre are part of the plans.

The urban shopping and leisure development on Highfield Spring, part of Harworth’s complete redevelopment of the former mining site, totals 11 retail units and a medical centre and will serve the current community of more than 2,500 residents and around 1,700 homes, expected to rise to 8,000 people and more than 3,000 homes by 2029.

A planning application has been approved relating to a new build block of commercial units that was sold off by Harworth to developers before work began.

Sky House Co., the Sheffield-based housing developer bringing forward the adjacent Waverley Central scheme, applied to make changes to unit G2. The plans show the building split into three units with one set to be occupied by a dental practice.

The officer's report explains the reasons for the change: "This application now seeks to use Unit G3 as a dentist (use class E e) instead of offices, as this particular Use Class was not listed in the original permission this application seeks approval to allow Unit G3 to be used for that use."

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As previously reported by Rothbiz, the unit was originally earmarked to be the new Sky-House Office headquarters, who at the time of the original application had 30 and 35 members of staff and intended to grow the business. However, since then plans explain that "working practices have altered and continue to evolve such that far more employees now routinely work from home or from other locations."

Sky-House now only require about half the available floorspace to meet their operational requirements in the building which is nearly completely constructed on site.

The report adds: "The applicant also notes that they have been unable to secure demand that would secure commercial use of the unit, however, in contrast there is confirmed market demand from a prospective purchaser to use the unit as a dental practice (Use Class Ee) and to deliver the social and economic benefits for the local community and for Waverley as a whole. They go on to note that there is a national shortage of dentists and access to dental services, as well as within the Waverley area, as such the provision of a dentist would be a community asset.

"The proposed dentist would create ten or more full time jobs as well as approximately ten part time jobs, and customers to the practice would increase footfall to other businesses on Olive Lane."

The plans were approved without going before Rotherham Council's planning board. The planner concluded: "After discussions with Rido [Rotherham Investment & Development Office] it is concluded that there is no demonstrated demand for offices in this location.

"It is therefore not considered that the loss of this office space would have a significant detrimental impact on the supply of office accommodation in this locality or in the Borough as a whole. Additionally, it is noted that the provision of a dentist within the unit would be beneficial to the local community. It has been requested that a condition be attached to ensure that the dentist is an NHS dentist, however it is not considered that this is acceptable."

Rothbiz reported earlier this year on plans that would enable My Dentist (GB) Limited to open at a vacant unit at Parkgate Shopping.

Sky-House Co. website

Images: Harworth

News: Grants of up to £25,000 to help breathe new life into Rotherham high streets

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Austen) — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 13:18:00 +0000

Businesses on high streets across the borough have the opportunity to benefit from a makeover thanks to a £270,000 Rotherham Council investment.

As part of its commitment to breathe new life into Rotherham’s high streets and create thriving neighbourhoods, the Council has launched the Shop Unit Business Grant Project, funded through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), with support from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

The grant aims to help high street businesses in the town centre, Dinnington, Maltby, Swinton and Wath-Upon-Dearne enhance their premises by funding improvements that will contribute to their overall look, feel and vibrancy.

Eligible businesses can apply for grants of up to £25,000 to improve the look and feel of their shop units. Improvements could include new shopfronts, signage, flooring, lighting and other refurbishments that will enhance the attractiveness of local high streets.

Businesses are being encouraged to act quickly, with grants awarded on a first come, first served basis until the full allocation is spent.

Applications are open until October 30 2025, with all projects set to be completed by the end of December 2025.

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Cllr. John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy said: “We’re committed to forging ahead and breathing new life into our high streets across the borough.

“This funding represents an opportunity to support the local businesses at the heart of our communities. By investing in the look and feel of shops located in our town centres, we’re helping to create more vibrant, welcoming spaces for residents, shoppers and visitors alike. I’d encourage all eligible businesses to apply early and make the most of this support.”

Businesses interested should contact Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO) for more information via businessgrants@rotherham.gov.ukl

The cabinet at Rotherham Council approved plans in March for the £3.28m of UKSPF for 2025/26, a transitional year allocation.

£945,256 is for business support with £60,000 set aside for enhancing the operation of the outdoor market during the current redevelopment. Rotherham Children’s Capital of Culture is set to receive further funding with £275,000 for the extension of the successful traineeship programme. £200,000 has been allocated for marketing to support the communications and reach of the festival year.

Rothbiz reported in January on proposals put forward for Rotherham Council's latest budget which included £50,000 for free parking. One hour’s free parking has recently been introduced in council-run car parks in Rotherham town centre.

The investment across Rotherham’s high streets will be complemented by the introduction of a new ‘Street Safe Team’ focused on increasing safety in town and village centres, as well as a new team dedicated to roadside cleansing, with a focus on popular routes and key gateways.

RiDO website

Images: RMBC