Dinnington revamp hit by fresh delays
Problems uncovered during demolition have forced the main building contract to be re-tendered on the long-awaited £13.3m regeneration scheme.
The high street project was awarded £12m in government funding in 2023, but Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council will now not award the main contract until November, with construction expected to begin in December 2026.
The council said the condition of buildings within the development site only became apparent once demolition work had started and could not have been fully established beforehand.
The findings created difficulties during the procurement process, prompting the authority to seek fresh bids for the main contract.
However, the council said the scheme would still be delivered in full and would not require a major redesign.
The project includes plans for a new public square capable of accommodating a pack-away market, alongside new commercial premises and improved walking routes connecting the high street with nearby transport links.
The scheme requires the demolition of half of the shopping parade, namely 36-44 Laughton Road, including the former market building at 34, structures associated with the open market including the colliery band building, and 32 Laughton Road.
The project’s new-build element will then see a block of six retail/commercial units along with a secure storage unit for the market at the southern end of the site; and a separate commercial/community building with associated parking and servicing.
The overall project budget has also risen to £13.3m following a review which identified a potential funding shortfall resulting from inflation and changes in construction and market prices.
Councillors have approved an additional £1.263m for the scheme, which the council said had been secured through the Local Resilience Forum programme.
The scheme has been designed by architect AHR, working with landscape architect Oobe. The professional team also includes civil and structural engineer Adept, STM Environmental, Service Design Associates, and Elite Ecology.
The regeneration has previously faced delays over the acquisition of properties required for the development through compulsory purchase powers, which the council won in September last year.
The deadline for spending the government funding has since been extended from 2026 to 2028, allowing additional time for the delayed construction programme to progress.
Simon Moss, Rotherham Council’s service director for planning, regeneration and transport, said: “The Dinnington regeneration project encountered challenges during the tender process due to issues that only came to light once demolition work began.
“These related to the condition and details of the acquired properties, which could not have been fully understood beforehand. The council is addressing these issues to ensure the project progresses as planned.
“The scheme is currently being re-tendered as part of this process, to ensure the appointment of suitable contractors. No major redesign works have had to be undertaken, and the project remains on track to deliver its full original scope.
“A review of the project costs identified a potential funding gap due to challenges around inflation, construction and market prices.
“The Council has now secured additional funding, with approval granted for a £1.263m increase to the project budget. This brings the total to £13.3m, with the additional funding provided through the Local Resilience Forum programme.
“The main contract was re-tendered in July, with an award expected in November and construction scheduled to begin in December 2026.”
