£50m mixed-use scheme in Rotherham to create 700 new jobs

Plans have been approved for a new £50m retail, leisure and office scheme for Waverley in Rotherham.

The scheme, which was unanimously approved by Rotherham Council, is set to comprise over 190,000 sq. ft. of mixed-use space and will create 700 new jobs.

Brought forward by Waverley Square Limited, a joint venture between Harworth Group plc and Dransfield Properties Ltd, the development sits on the 740-acre Waverley site - Yorkshire’s largest ever brownfield development, close to Junction 33 of the M1.

Dransfield Properties Ltd and Harworth Group Plc announced the joint venture agreement to deliver the development last year.

The companies have worked with South Yorkshire architects Dixon Dawson on a design which will bring new community facilities as well as restaurants and retail space to this area.

The approved development will feature healthcare and new community facilities, including a new bus station; up to 99,000 sq. ft. for a new foodstore and retail space; high spec office space covering 38,000 sq ft; restaurants, coffee shops and a gym; as well as a car park with up to 500 customer spaces as well as a separate staff car park.

A roof top walkway and gardens have been incorporated into the design, as well as piazza areas with multi jet fountains and a “town square” where Farmers’ Markets can be hosted.

Development is expected to take two years to reach full build out, with construction work due to begin in Spring 2018.

Owen Michaelson, chief executive of Harworth Group plc, said: “This is a key development for Rotherham and for the Sheffield City Region in that it will create the sort of high-quality local facilities that both businesses at the Advanced Manufacturing Park and local residents increasingly expect.

“Waverley is growing into a prominent placemaking destination in the region and these facilities will further attract new residents and businesses to live and work at the development.”

Mark Dransfield, managing director of Dransfield Properties, added: “We are delighted that our application for Waverley has now been approved by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.

“We have been keen from the outset to design a genuinely outstanding scheme befitting of Waverley, with architecture and materials to match. With the combined experience and knowledge of our two companies we are confident we will deliver an excellent scheme for Waverley to serve this growing community over the next two and a half years.”

Barton Willmore acted as planning consultant.

Claire Kent, director of Barton Willmore, concluded: “The decision of committee members to fully support the proposals represents the culmination of close engagement with officers and the community over the past few years, and together with the other recently approved developments at Waverley will secure the continued ongoing success of this flagship scheme which Rotherham can be proud of.”