Rotherham regeneration projects backed by over £70m of funding take another step forward.

Rotherham Council's cabinet agreed to the implementation of all projects within the Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund programmes.

Residents are being given the opportunity to see how the town centre markets complex and new central library could look.

Library

The redevelopment of the markets and the addition of the new library are key projects in the regeneration.

Major improvement plans are currently underway, which will include a modern central library. In addition, a new community hub, extensive public realm and improved links to the town centre will be built.

The area was awarded £31.6million, one of the largest awards from the Government’s £3.6billion Towns Fund last year. The funds given will provide ambitious regeneration projects across the town centre, Eastwood and Templeborough.

The Government also awarded £19.9m from the Levelling Up Fund for a number of connected projects in the leisure industry.

Masterplan

The Masterplan for Rotherham will transform and revitalise the town centre. This includes a vibrant leisure scheme on Forge Island, attractive outdoor spaces, revitalised markets complex and high quality riverside living.

The redevelopment will create a new look building upon the existing mix of shops and services. There will also be the addition of a dining area on the first floor.

In a string of projects announced, The Arc Cinema has exchanged a long-term lease with national urban regenerator, Muse Developments, to become the leisure anchor on Forge Island.

Cinema

Along with the cinema at Forge Island, Travelodge have exchanged contracts to deliver a 69-bedroom hotel.

The new leisure facilities will be set within an attractive public square. A new pedestrian bridge will connect the scheme to the wider town centre, creating an exciting mixed-use destination.

Refurbishment

 Councillor Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, said: “The refurbishment will provide an accessible and modern market and library, complemented by a vibrant new dining area.

“The second floor will be revamped to include contemporary office spaces for charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups.

“This scheme is another key part of the Town Centre Masterplan as we look to create multi-purpose spaces for the people of Rotherham in the heart of their town.”

Find out more at: www.rotherhamtowncentre.co.uk

Councillor Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, said:

“The refurbishment will provide an accessible and modern market and library, complemented by a vibrant new dining area.

“This scheme is another key part of the Town Centre Masterplan as we look to create multi-purpose spaces for the people of Rotherham in the heart of their town.”