Agenda item

Town Centre Update

 

To consider an update on delivery of the Town Centre Masterplan for regeneration.

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a presentation in respect of progress in delivery of the Town Centre Masterplan, which included several project areas for regeneration and development interventions in the public realm in Rotherham Town Centre. This update followed on from a spotlight review undertaken in November 2021 which examined external sources for funding these projects. Delivery of development opportunities were described. Secured external funding was noted as part of the presentation.

 

The presentation described the projects that would be part of the Leisure and Culture Quarter, including a cinema and hotel, six restaurants, and a public square. These plans worked around the riverside and the scheme of flood defence works already completed. The plans for connecting Forge Island to Riverside Gardens were described and the progress in respect of the Forge Island and Riverside Gardens plans were described. Indicative visualisations of the designs of these interventions were also provided. In respect of the interventions associated with Corporation Street, these would be described further in a January Cabinet report and would involve disposal of some of the Council’s land in that site to enable the development to happen. At the moment the Council sought acquisition by agreement with owner rather than a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO). The Service reported preliminary discussions had been positive. A planning application was in progress to address the site which had been an eyesore. It was noted that connections in this area would be pedestrian-friendly, to help foster an atmosphere in which people would want to spend time. Progress in delivery of the Riverside Residential Project was also described.

 

In respect of the Markets and Library Scheme, it was noted that this would include a new community hub, improvements to the public realm, and Town Centre connections. A contractor had just been appointed to take the project forward, and it was noted that the contractor had experience of working in markets. A challenge was anticipated around managing the construction at the same site with traders already present. It was observed that much would be happening in the Town Centre from now through 2025. In terms of challenges around timescales, it was noted that The Snail Yard had not progressed at the speed desired. Challenges with contractors and resource limitations were articulated as well as specifics of the site and interim arrangements to address what had been a vacant area and a building which did not have a future in the Town Centre.  Bridge Gate had been completed and College Street works and additional car parking spaces were noted. This work was connecting key developments with high quality public realm interventions including better lighting and improved environment. Through the Future High Street Fund, a project at Grimm and Co. had been undertaken, with extra funding through the Mayoral Combined Authority (gainshare) had enabled the project to proceed without disruptions.

 

In discussion, Members expressed interest in further highlighting the chapel on a bridge. The response from officers noted this had been raised previously as a historic site of interest although it was not associated with a project in the current scheme of funding. A previous scrutiny discussion had noted the significance as part of the cultural offer.

Members emphasised the promised pace of the work and the need to maintain projects that are already built. Members noted that there were enduring concerns about safety of the Town Centre and the success of businesses there. It was felt that the direction of travel was right, but timetables were an issue. The response from officers noted that the Service were cognisant of the challenges encountered by businesses in the Town Centre and the importance of building and maintaining momentum in delivery of the Town Centre projects. The last few years had seen Rotherham making the most of funding at historic levels and having success at bringing that funding in for Rotherham. Challenges during the pandemic had been experienced, as with all sectors, the construction industry had experienced limitations. These limitations in the construction market had flowed through to the projects such as the Snail Yard. Momentum remained important, and the message to businesses was observable progress. This was the same message to investors coming in. The Forge Island scheme was fully let, and the local economy would continue to build on this confidence in the future pipeline. Members noted the work going on in the background and emphasised the importance of timescales to local people and local businesses.  

 

Resolved:-

 

1.    That the report be noted.

 

Supporting documents: