New Rotherham town centre masterplan launched

New details of the Rotherham town centre masterplan have been revealed.

The plans comprise of major developments taking place across the town, including a leisure quarter at Forge Island, a new leisure attraction at Guest & Chrimes, outdoor spaces, and new riverside living schemes.

The masterplan has been developed by WYG Group and Lambert Smith Hampton, which have spent the last nine months consulting with local businesses and organisations to produce the plans.

The masterplan reveals details about developing Forge Island into a leisure destination including a new cinema, a quality hotel, food and drink and potentially a new theatre .

There are also proposals to turn the former Guest & Chrimes building into a “new and exciting” leisure destination, build 350 riverside homes, and open a Rotherham outdoor market.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy Cllr Denise Lelliott, said: “The masterplan contains a series of proposals and plans, which brings to life how the town is moving forwards, utilising its river and canal, its open spaces and its feature buildings. At the heart of the plan is to create a much-improved visitor experience with more to do and to see.”

Andrew Clarke, WYG’s project director, added: “It has been excellent to see the level of interest in a town from the development industry. Investors have been asking about progress throughout the evolution of the masterplan.

“Our challenge now is to translate that interest into built development on the ground and to do so quickly. Rotherham Town Centre requires transformational change and the masterplan will deliver this through a partnership of the Council and the private sector.”

Damien Wilson, Rotherham Council’s strategic director regeneration and environment, added: “This project has never been about just getting a masterplan in place, but getting one that is deliverable and viable.

“The plan brings ambition but also a pragmatic approach, which will require the Council, private sector and investors to work closely together.

“The Council’s role will be to enable the transformation of the town centre, by drawing in external funding, providing planning certainty and working with potential investors.”