Rotherham wins Dinnington CPO case
The council can now progress with a £12m revamp of the town centre, after a race against time to use £11m of Levelling Up funds approved by the former Conservative government.
A further £1m was acquired from the council’s towns and villages fund.
Rotherham was awarded the money in spring of 2023 to transform two prominent sites in its two principal areas of growth, Wath-upon-Dearne and Dinnington.
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.
Along with the new-build, a refurbishment will take place across six existing retail units at 46-56 Laughton Road.
The project also includes a new town square, accommodating the open market, with associated public realm improvements to improve links to the bus interchange and car parks.
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.
With the Government Planning Inspector having approved the compulsory purchase order, work to appoint a contractor is expected to take place early next year.
As well as improving the high street’s aesthetics and accessibility, the project will also create new opportunities for local businesses and the town centre including increased footfall and events.
Cllr Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, said: “The work will make a huge impact on the local area, not just in terms of how it looks, but how it’s accessed and help and foster a renewed sense of pride in the town.
“We’ve all been frustrated about the length of time it’s taken to reach this stage – it was never going to be easy with some of the challenges we’ve faced in acquiring parts of the site.
“However, now that the CPO has been granted, we remain totally committed to forging ahead on delivering the improvements that residents and businesses have been waiting for.”
Rotherham Council is also looking to use a £4m Our Places Fund to improve key gateways into towns and villages, such as Wath, where a new library and green spaces are being created.
Investment is ongoing in Rotherham itself too, following the delivery of the £47m Forge Island delivered by Muse last year.
The scheme has attracted restaurants such as Vetro Lounge, Sygnature Dish, and a Travelodge.
Dinnington died after Dinnington pit closed. Forgotten by every council since not to mention the self back patting by Parish council. 12m could be 200m won’t change a DAMN THING
By Mark Hamblett