Rotherham Town Centre Story

A new lease of life has already begun in Rotherham Town Centre with the Forge Island development starting to take shape, improvements to the look and feel of the open spaces, and new housing.

As the town centre adapts and moves away from the more traditional use, much like other areas across the country, the town’s many small independent businesses will continue to be supported, whilst creating a place for leisure, culture, events, recreation and living.

The Tram Train is operational, there is a new University Centre, an upgraded and refurbished Transport Interchange and there will be a fantastic new cinema and leisure development on Forge Island, with more great places to eat and drink.

All of this will be more accessible than ever with improved cycle lanes, canal side walking routes, and cleaner vehicles and road infrastructure.

Work to improve the town’s open spaces has begun with plans to enhance key areas including Bridgegate, Frederick Street, College Street, Howard Street, Effingham Street, and Riverside Gardens.

The public realm will improve connections in the town centre, creating cohesive, modern spaces, boosting the visitor experience and increasing activity, events and footfall to support local businesses.    

Meanwhile High Street is being redeveloped with the demolition of the former Primark building to create a pocket park and high-quality public space in the short term and, in the longer term, new town centre living.

Along with the cinema at Forge Island, plans are in place for a modern hotel and food and drink outlets. The leisure facilities will be set within an attractive square with a new pedestrian bridge over the River Don connecting the island to the wider town centre.

High-quality landscaping has been created next to the South Yorkshire Navigation Canal, and the buildings in Riverside Precinct on Corporation Street are being demolished to open up the space between the Minster and Forge Island. This will transform the landscape and offer wonderful views of the river and weir, and the canal.

Work is continuing to progress on the island’s innovative flood enabling scheme, ahead of developers starting work in 2022. This will allow parts of the car park to flood and recede quickly when the river levels rise. A canal barrier will be constructed to protect the canal, due to start in late summer 2021.

Over 170 new homes are progressing in three prime locations and will include a council homes for rent, shared ownership, and private properties for sale. The first homes will be available in autumn 2021 and the entire scheme completed by summer 2022.

Over the coming months and years, work will continue with partners who all share the same vision, drive and end goal.

We hope you will be part of this journey too!