Agenda item

To consider an update report in respect of the progress on planned development projects in Rotherham Town Centre.

Consideration was given to an update report presenting recent progress toward the goals set out in the Town Centre Masterplan which were adopted by Cabinet in September 2017. The report described the progress with respect to a number of interventions that had been identified as key projects, including a leisure led Forge Island redevelopment; high-quality public realm, in key locations in the town centre, and improved linkages between Forge Island and the town centre core to fully realise the benefits of the Forge Island development; redevelopment of Rotherham Markets; and development of housing sites within the town centre.

A range of additional projects were also described including University Centre Rotherham’s new £10.5m town centre campus, offering degrees and professional training qualifications in a state of-the-art teaching facility; a National Tram Train Pilot, a unique national pilot scheme that connects heavy and light rail infrastructure, systems and operations together to provide a new transport service between Sheffield and Rotherham; a Rotherham Interchange Refurbishment, a £12m refurbishment and modernisation of the Rotherham Interchange enhancing the public transport infrastructure present in the town centre; George Wright, a major renovation of Grade II Listed building as a boutique hotel with associated bar and restaurant; Westgate Chambers and Domine Lane, a £10.7m redevelopment in a prime central location providing, retail space and 61 apartments; at Keppel Wharf, Old Market and Imperial Buildings, work was underway to increase the residential space at Keppel Wharf overlooking the river and incentives offered to attract new niche businesses to vacant refurbished retail spaces in the Grade II Listed Imperial Buildings; and Makers Emporium, a unique retail space on the High Street bringing together a mixture of crafters, makers, artists and designers, trading from a shared and professionally managed retail unit. (In the 6 years since opening, over 120 small businesses have been supported by Makers Emporium).

The report including information regarding the funding for these projects which originated from various sources including Sheffield City Region, the Get Building Fund, and the Council’s own funding contribution to the development delivery. Details were included as to which projects were funded by which schemes and which would be included as part of the next bidding stages, such as potential funding that is being requested from the Future High Street Fund and other Town Deal Fund Grants.  

A progress update was provided as to the delivery of the projects including the flood defences and housing projects, and indicative timescales for future delivery were also provided. Details as to concept design for leisure developments were also displayed as part of the presentation.

In discussion, Members requested assurances that there would be provision for sufficient litter bins, recycling bins, and wardens to keep the areas clean and tidy.

Members also asked for assurances that accessibility has been taken into consideration in the design of these spaces; it was further inquired as to how many accessible parking spaces would be made available. The answer provided assurances that the housing developments had been designed to be visited accessibly, but not designed expressely for accessibility for disabled residents to live in. With regard to the accessible parking, the answer was offered in writing.

Assurances were requested as to back up plans in case bids for funding are unsuccessful. There are three main categories: council funded, funding in place, private sector funding, and finally the bids that are in. If we get partial funding, we will go on the hunt for other funding, or look for other investment from ourselves or others. Otherwise it would be necessary to revise the propositions.  The devolution funding has been approved, so there is more funding from SCR that can be leveraged in due course.

Assurances were also requested as to how the planning will be flexible in the face of unforeseen circumstances and changing national picture when it comes to planning consultation. Officers responded that consultation has revealed COVID has put pressure on retail space. The benefit of this Masterplan is that is combines leisure, retail and housing, and it can be expected that other town centres will follow suit.

Members requested assurances around provision for car parking at Forge Island. A public car park will have 350 spaces. Those who park to go to the Cinema will be able to be refunded so that their parking is free. The Council will set the parking fees. During the day the car park will be used as a general Town Centre parking facility.

Members requested clarification as to the future of a specific site on Corporation Street. Planning permission had been granted to the burned buildings on this street, with a 12 month window to demolish the buildings. The three month extension has been allowed due to COVID. The plans are to build hotels on those sites, but as long as a valid planning permission exists for those sites. it is in the hands of the developers and the owners of the buildings to demolish the buildings. Until the allowed time has elapsed, no further action can be taken.

Members inquired if funding was being sought for revitalisation of other townships within the Borough in addition to the Town Centre. In response, it was clarified that the area of the Town Centre was set by Central Government, and that the revitalisation plan for the Town Centre was decided on as a priority set by Members, and officers were seeing that priority through to implementation. At the moment, other plans for similar priorities in other townships were not in place. Other funding could be sought, should that stance be taken. With respect to the other townships in question, in terms of economic development, a few years ago, the council invested in a business incubation centre had been established in Dinnington in addition to other similar centres elsewhere in the Borough, for example in Wath and near Magna.

Members raised concerned that buildings would be of good quality and consistently maintained so as to remain neat in appearance. IN response, members referenced the Lifetime Homes standards that developers were required to work to. The standard that is currently being built to is not perhaps as rigorous as Lifetime Homes standards, from an accessibility standpoint, but the building plans that are in use should be nonetheless maneuverable for wheelchair use. Homes England which are the partner organisation for the affordable housing developments (shared ownership and council rent) have their own space standards that they have to work to, a generous space standard. These are not rabbit hutches or compromised space standards that some renovated or repurposed spaces have exhibited. Assurances were provided that quality standards that have not been upheld by houses in some of the 2011 builds in Canklow are currently under review by officers with a view to addressing the structural or aesthetic issues.

Members also requested assurances around selection of consistent pavement surfaces such that partially and non-sighted community members will also be able to navigate these areas.  Assurance was provided that although the exact materials had not yet been chosen, there would be consistency in the theme and in the design so that it would be clear how to navigate the space and people would be able to tell easily where they want to go.

Resolved:-

1. That the update report be noted.