Agenda item

Report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendation:

1.    That Cabinet approve development of the Rotherham Markets and Library complex to deliver the proposed Rotherham Markets & Library redevelopment within the values detailed in exempt Appendix 2.

Consideration was given to the report which provided an update on progress and proposals for the development of the Rotherham Markets complex to create the new Rotherham Markets and Library within Rotherham Town Centre. The report also outlined and sought approval to proceed to the next phase of development and delivery of the project.

The redevelopment and repurposing of the Rotherham Markets Complex was

identified as a key project in the adopted 2017 Rotherham Town Centre Masterplan (TCM). Previous public and stakeholder consultation for the Town Centre Masterplan and the Cultural Strategy identified a need to improve the cultural and leisure offer within Rotherham Town Centre. This involved improving the proximity and connectivity between key amenities, upgrading the quality of the built environment and delivering inclusive access to the different facilities on offer. This would have spill over effects for the wider town.

Detailed designs were completed in June 2022 in advance of the submission of a planning application. Planning permission, RB2022/0881, was granted conditionally on 3rd November, 2022. On 7th August, 2023, Cabinet approved the enabling works for the Rotherham Markets and Library development and delegated authority to award contracts for these early phase enabling works. This contract award was made on 26th September, 2023, and Henry Boot Construction Ltd (HBC) commenced works on site in September 2023 with a works programme scheduled to run until March 2024.

To facilitate the proposed redevelopment and delivery of the Council’s regeneration aspirations, a suitable construction works contract was required to allow for the controlled and safe delivery of works on site. HBC had been appointed under a two-stage design and build approach to develop the final redevelopment plans, costings, and delivery approach. The main works contract would act as a standalone agreement with HBC and could be triggered once final costs were secured. It was anticipated that the final costs for the main works would be confirmed in Spring 2024. Once final costs were available, the Council had to act swiftly to proceed with the contract and secure costs to avoid unnecessary additional costs related to inflation and other market pressures. A clear indication of an upper limit of the development costs was detailed in exempt Appendix 2. The report therefore sought authority to approve the scheme within the upper budget limit outlined in Appendix 2.

If the final costs were deemed acceptable, the Council would seek to award relevant contracts by Officer Decision to action the approved redevelopment works and facilitate the current programme being achieved.

At the meeting it was confirmed that this was a major milestone for the development of the Markets and Library complex. The Leader stated action needed to be taken to safeguard the future of the markets in Rotherham and this project would help do that. The Cabinet Member agreed and stated that the Council owed it to the market traders to improve the complex.

Resolved:

1.    That Cabinet approve development of the Rotherham Markets and Library complex to deliver the proposed Rotherham Markets & Library redevelopment within the values detailed in exempt Appendix 2.