Rotherham looks to approve next phase of regeneration masterplan
If the council greenlights the £2.42m of funding needed to advance the scheme into phase two, Capital&Centric will also be kept on as its development partner for the scheme, which is targeting five sites in the town centre.
Rotherham Council will meet on 6 July to approve the next phase of funding to redevelop a cluster of locations, including Westgate Car Park, sites on Sheffield Road, the Statutes Car Park, Snail Yard, and 3-7 Corporation Street.
Capital&Centric has already led on the first phase of the potential development. Stage One of the Rotherham project focused on initial design ideas and market conditions.
These proposals will be further developed and refined throughout Stage Two, with the resulting detail brought back to cabinet for consideration.
Work will include planning applications and full business cases, with the aim of producing fully costed proposals and securing planning approval by 2027.
Currently, early plans suggest turning three of the five sites – Westgate, Sheffield Road, and the Statutes – into a riverside residential neighbourhood with around 225 new homes.
If approved, construction on these sites could begin as early as 2028.
The remaining two sites – Snail Yard and Corporation Street – could focus on smaller-scale, mixed-use developments designed to bring activity back into the town centre, such as office and retail space alongside residential units, with Snail Yard centred around a courtyard concept and Corporation Street featuring duplex apartments above ground-floor commercial uses.
The scheme follows in the footsteps of ongoing regeneration efforts across the town, which includes a refurbished market and new library for the town. Although it has been plagued by rising costs, exceeding its initial budget by £6m, the development is expected to complete this winter.
Ongoing public realm improvements are also being delivered on Corporation Street, Effingham Street, and Riverside Gardens, with that scheme due to be completed by the end of the year.
The sites earmarked for development in the town centre are part of wider plans for the Don Valley Corridor, the Mayoral investment zone that also includes the Magna Tram Train and the proposed Gateway Station.
Cllr John Williams, cabinet member for transport, jobs and the local economy, said: “These plans represent what could be a major step forward for Rotherham town centre and show just how much ambition we’ve got for these sites.
“We’ve been working closely with Capital&Centric, and we’re absolutely delighted to be continuing that partnership – they’ve brought real creativity and energy to the plans so far.
“What I’d say is, this isn’t just about buildings, it’s about creating new communities, new homes and new opportunities right in the heart of Rotherham. We’re looking at a future where people choose to live, work and spend time here, and that’s something we can all be proud of.
“This is all part of our commitment to creating thriving town centres.”
John Moffat, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “All five sites are brimming with potential, and our ambition is to create a connected neighbourhood that complements Rotherham’s best bits and feels characterful, independent and full of life.
“The mix of riverside homes, green spaces and commercial space for residents and local businesses to do their thing is how we plan to create a lasting community.”
