Rotherham set for £50m of retail and leisure funding
The Borough of Rotherham could receive £50m of investment into a number of retail and leisure developments, with local councillors set to give the proposals the go-ahead.
Members of Rotherham Council will meet on 7 August to discuss the potential investments.
If approved, nearly £11m will be committed to the development of Dinnington Town Centre. This would include improvements to the outdoor market and the creation of a commercial square. It is hope this would boost the town’s retail and food and beverage offering while improving the public realm.
A further £5.5m is set to be provided to fund the creation of a waterfront café in Rother Valley. The site would see improvements to the parking facilities, a relocated cycle hub, an events space, and a landscaping scheme.
Proposals also outline the creation of a £2.5m scheme at Thrybergh Country Park, which would see the development of a waterside café, improved public realm, and visitor facilities.
Both the park projects are part of a wider £20m investment in leisure economy and skills in Rotherham.
Other attractions receiving improvements include Gullivers, Wentworth Woodhouse, Magna and Maltby Skills Academy.
Cabinet members will also be asked to approve a contract tender and enabling works for the Markets & Central Library development in central Rotherham. If approved, enabling works are due to begin in September, with the main development works expected to start in 2024. The £30m plans include a new market space, a town centre library, a community space, and public realm improvements.
Councillor Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, said: “We remain determined to secure investment to improve the future of Rotherham and ensure that money delivers improvements for our residents.
“These schemes cover locations right across our borough; improving our country parks and our urban centres, creating job opportunities and improving the local environment, so that even in these difficult times we can plan for better times ahead.”