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First Townscape Heritage project started in Rotherham Town Centre
The transformation of High Street has begun.
Work on the first project in the Townscape Heritage Initiative has just started, aimed at bringing back to life the empty former Supercigs unit, a crucial first step in the £3.5m restoration scheme to protect and improve key historic buildings.
Rotherham Borough Councils Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation, Cllr Gerald Smith, said: I am thrilled that the first of the THI projects is now under way. It takes us towards our goal of protecting and celebrating what Rotherham already has and something we are very proud of, its heritage.
An economically strong and attractive High Street is the pinnacle of a successful town, and it is because of this that the THI money is being concentrated in this area.
The Initiative enabled Mr Ng to apply for a grant for improvements to 20 High Street shop frontage, restoring the retail unit and creating two one-bedroom apartments on the first and second floors. That project is expected to complete at the end of November this year.
Cllr Smith said: The scheme gives eligible property owners a cash boost to dramatically restore their properties, so that they can be more easily re-let. With business grants available for independent retailers looking to set up in the centre, and the overwhelming success in attracting people to live in the apartments in the restored Imperial Buildings and the new developments of Old Market and Keppel Wharf, we are confident this is viable.
Dovetailing with Yorkshire Forwards Rotherham Renaissance project, the Initiative will see further essential repair and restoration works carried out to help protect and preserve some of the town centres heritage. It is funded by the council, Heritage Lottery Fund and Yorkshire Forward.
