A new 150 bedroom hotel being built in Rotherham has a management company in place and is set to be called Courtyard by Marriott Sheffield. It is due to open in Spring 2023. Rothbiz reported last year that Essex-based developer, Stapleford Ventures Ltd, had secured planning permission for a six storey, 150 bedroom hotel on land off Highfield Spring and Poplar Way where the Waverley development meets the Morrisons roundabout at Catcliffe. Leading independent hotel management company, RBH Hospitality Management, has been appointed by Stapleford Ventures Ltd to operate the new Courtyard by Marriott Sheffield. The new-build property will include a brasserie restaurant, as well as a fitness centre and meeting facilities. It will occupy a prominent position at the entrance roundabout to the Waverley development, and will provide an important community asset for use by residents, and businesses at the adjacent Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP). Advertisement The signing marks the further strengthening of RBH’s Marriott portfolio as the company’s fifth Courtyard by Marriott, and ninth overall Marriott opening in recent years, following the launch of The Westin London City in November - Marriott’s 1000th EMEA opening. The opening will closely follow the launch of the new AC by Marriott Glasgow, also scheduled to open in Spring 2023. As well as operating the Courtyard by Marriott Sheffield, RBH has also been selected to provide technical assistance and IT Project Management throughout the build phase of the project. David Hart, CEO of RBH Hospitality Management, said: "This new hotel is a great addition to our 2023 pipeline and a reflection of the continued success in our growth strategy. We are delighted to have forged a new relationship with Stapleford Ventures, a family-run business led by Neil Searle, that importantly holds a similar culture and set of values to our own and we look forward to growing our partnership together.” Neil Searle, Managing Director of Stapleford Ventures, added: "We are excited to bring the first Marriott-branded hotel to the Sheffield area and to be working alongside RBH who we know will bring a depth of experience to the project. Courtyard by Marriott Sheffield will be a great addition to the area, offering the perfect destination for business travellers in light of its proximity to the business park, as well as for leisure visitors. Plans are well underway and we look forward to opening this fantastic property in partnership with RBH and Marriott in 2023.” Courtyard by Marriott website Images: S R Davis

Yorkshire start-ups have until August 15 to sign up to join an accelerator programme designed to take their business to the next level. Successful London start up accelerator Unrest is on the quest for Yorkshire start-ups and early stage companies who are ready to take their business to the next level, as applications for its first programme in the North close on Monday August 15. Designed to unlock growth opportunities, Unrest will run its 16-week programme from Sheffield aimed at consumer-driven startups which positively impact on people’s lives. Yorkshire’s aspiring intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs are invited to apply with the most promising entrepreneurs chosen for a place on the programme which starts in September. Orr Vinegold, co-founder of Unrest, said: “This unique programme fills in the knowledge gaps and teaches founders how to navigate investors, consumers, experience, technology, and their own impact. “Unrest allows access to the insight and tools needed to accelerate their business to a level of success that might usually be achieved after many years in business. This is such an exciting opportunity for businesses in the region. “Entrepreneurship is a key driver for regional growth. We want to unlock opportunities within Yorkshire’s diverse business sectors. “We are committed to helping start-ups. This year alone we have developed 16 businesses further their potential and go on to bigger and better possibilities. “Our goal is to find the game-changers and innovators who are ready to be brave with their thinking and develop sustainable businesses to stimulate the economy’s growth and prosperity.” Advertisement Unrest South Yorkshire will be delivered in partnership with Capital Enterprise (UK) Limited and Barnsley Council, and is part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund. Laura Bennett, Regional Lead, Capital Enterprise (UK) Limited, said: “Yorkshire is proudly supportive of social impact initiatives and mission-driven projects, and we have a long tradition of social enterprises founded here, working to support our communities and reduce inequalities. “We are thrilled that Unrest are bringing their expertise, experience, and networks to the region to supercharge 30 mission-driven businesses to think big and act globally – taking South Yorkshire ingenuity and passion for social good to a national and international audience.” The Unrest programme has already incubated 16 brands including Bea Fertility, the first at-home fertility treatment, making ICI fertility treatment accessible and affordable, now cited as one of WIRED’s 2021 100 Hottest Start-ups in Europe and has raised $1m in funding. Unrest website Images: Unrest

Work is due to start this month on a huge distribution centre development alongside the M18 motorway in Rotherham. Rotherham Council recently approved a reserved matters planning application for two facilities adjacent to junction 1 of the M18, one of 630,000 sq ft, which will be one of the largest-ever speculative logistics buildings in the north of England, and a smaller 80,000 sq ft facility. Outline plans were approved for "Interchange Park" on former greenbelt land at Hellaby in 2020 and applicants said that it could be home to over 1,000 jobs. Since then, Panattoni, the largest industrial real estate developer in Europe, has bought the Cumwell Lane site, gained approval for changes to the plans and reserved matters. Panattoni said that it will commence speculative development of the two units in August, with completion expected in July 2023. They will be built to a BREEAM sustainability rating of ‘Very Good’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’. Advertisement Dan Burn, Development Director at Panattoni, said: “This nationally significant development reaffirms our commitment to a significant speculative development programme in the UK this year and we are very pleased to now be able to progress with the delivery of the scheme. “We would like to thank Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council for the proactive way in which they have helped to facilitate the development and we look forward to working with them over the coming months as construction progresses.” Letting agents for the 40-acre Panattoni Park are M1 Agency, Legat Owen and Knight Frank. Lichfields advised Panattoni on the planning application. Over 100 objections were recieved regarding the latest plans including from Bramley Parish Council. The application was a reserved matters application to assess the matters reserved in the determination of the outline application. It focused on appearance and landscaping and meant that most of the reasons for objection had already been assessed in the original outline application. Panattoni website Images: Panattoni

Sheffield is bidding to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. The BBC has described it as "one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023” and would follow on from Sheffield and Rotherham both recently being host cities for the UEFA Women's Euros. The broadcaster recently accepted the European Broadcasting Union (EBU)’s invitation to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest in the United Kingdom in 2023 on behalf of the Ukrainian broadcaster, UA: PBC. The EBU explored a number of options with UA: PBC, but after extensive consultation made the decision that it wouldn’t be possible for next year’s event to be held in Ukraine. With the bidding process underway to find a host city, Sheffield Council has confirmed a bid and that it is working with fellow South Yorkshire authorities. Cllr. Julie Grocutt, Deputy Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee at Sheffield Council, said: “Sheffield is honoured to be bidding to be the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023. While Sheffield will be the Host City, we have come together in solidarity as a region to support our bid, drawing on the assets and strengths of our communities across South Yorkshire. As a region we are proposing the Utilita Sheffield Arena as the hosting venue. "We are working in partnership with Sheffield City Trust, SYMCA [South Yorkshire mayoral Combined Authority], Doncaster, Barnsley and Rotherham councils to deliver the bid application requirements and continue to demonstrate our capability and aspiration to deliver this international event on behalf of the Ukrainian people. “Sheffield would be a fantastic host city and it would be exciting to work with our partners across the region on a huge celebration of Ukrainian and South Yorkshire culture and music. It would undoubtedly benefit the whole region and our Ukraine communities. We would be proud to bring the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 to the region in solidarity with Ukraine.” Advertisement The selection of the host city will be determined by the BBC and the EBU in a two-stage process. To be considered, any potential candidates must meet a set of minimum standards that demonstrate they have the capacity, capability and experience to host an event of this scale and complexity. The BBC has confirmed that the final decision will be based on a city or region’s capacity and capability in meeting the BBC’s and the EBU’s requirements, as well as availability of resources and general experience in hosting a large and complex event such as the Eurovision Song Contest. Last year the EBU’s criteria was based on providing a venue able to accommodate at least 10,000 spectators (as well as a press centre), that should be within easy reach of an international airport and with ample hotel accommodation. Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, said: "It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege. The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity." The 2022 competition reached over 180 million viewers on TV and digital platforms. Eurovision website Images: EBU

School children from Waverley Junior Academy in Rotherham have combined science with art to create a fusion energy machine of the future. Year 5 students took part in two workshops to learn about fusion – based on the same processes that powers the sun and stars – which has great potential to become an environmentally responsible part of the world’s future energy supply. Before taking to their pens and pencils to design a star-making machine, the students discovered what fusion is and let-off steam by running around to create energy of their own. The fun and interactive sessions were delivered by a team from the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) based at the neighbouring Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP). Last year the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) opened a £22m Fusion Technology Facility on the AMP where it works with industrial partners to put the UK in a strong position to commercialise nuclear fusion as a major source of low-carbon electricity in the years ahead. Advertisement Jordan d‘Arras, graduate development engineer at UKAEA, said: “The children were really enthusiastic and asked so many good questions. They learned the importance of safe, low carbon energy in the fight against climate change and heard about the variety of career opportunities we have at UKAEA that will help make fusion happen. We hope to have inspired our engineers, scientists and communicators of the future!” The students went head-to-head in a design competition and impressed the UKAEA team with their interpretation of what a future fusion energy machine could look like. Waverley Junior Academy’s Year 5 teachers, Patrick Selkirk and Holly Peace, were very proud of the scientific knowledge and artistic talent of their classes. Patrick said: “It was a great experience for the children to fully engage with. They had previously learnt all about renewable energy and the effects of non-renewable sources. The UKAEA workshop was enlightening and well-pitched to the children. The workshop began conversations that sparked debate about fusion energy.” UKAEA website Images: UKAEA

Rotherham Council has confirmed that it has put together a bid of almost £20m for money from the Levelling Up Fund for a further two projects in the borough. Rothbiz reported last month that another bid was submitted to the Government's £4.8 billion competitive fund that is being invested in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK. If successful the money will be used to create a new mixed-use development in Wath town centre, as well as delivering significant improvements to Dinnington High Street and market The Council has already had two of its three bids for funding from the Levelling Up Fund approved by the government, with almost £40m agreed to help improve the Leisure Economy and Skills in the borough and Rotherham Town Centre. This marks the third and final bid for the Council taking the total possible funding to £60m to be spent on projects which aim to spread the benefits of this opportunity across the whole borough. Work earmarked for Dinnington includes; clearing the burnt out buildings, investment in the outdoor market and the creation of a new commercial square which aims to enhance the retail and food and beverage offer in the town and improve public realm and connectivity. Advertisement The proposal was developed in collaboration with ward councillors based on the neighbourhood plan and previous local consultations. Local stakeholders will have the chance to influence the final designs if the bid is approved. In Wath, the existing Library will be demolished and replaced with a mixed-use building with a greater offer to include; library and exhibition space, sensory provision, collaboration space, café and commercial units. The public realm around the building will also be improved including new ‘play on the way’ equipment. Wath ward councillors have helped shape the bid proposal for the new hub to include facilities which benefit local residents. The Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott, said: “We have put together three bids that will reach out to all areas in Rotherham and help us to continue the progress we’ve already made to regenerate our town, create jobs and build a better borough. “If successful this final bid will make a real difference to local residents of Dinnington and Wath, providing new facilities and enhancing the retail offer to ensure these much-loved town centres remain vibrant and well-used.” Government are expected to announce the outcome of the bids in Autumn and if successful the Council will have until March 2025 to deliver on the projects. Images: RMBC

A large scale social enterprise has closed its bus companies in Yorkshire - a move that affects a depot and a number of routes in Rotherham. HCT Group announced last week that their Powell's and CT Plus bus companies would close and services stopped running on Monday August 8. HCT Group started out as Hackney Community Transport in 1982 when around 30 local community groups in the London Borough of Hackney pooled their vehicle resources. A new business model was launched in the 1990s based on social impact and a commercial focus has seen the group expand to merge with other community transport providers across the UK. The enterprise acquired Powell's in 2018 for an undisclosed sum. With a depot at Hellaby, Powells Bus Company Ltd was a family run bus service operating local bus services, school buses and private hire services in the Rotherham and Doncaster areas. Founded in 1996, it has a fleet of approximately 30 vehicles. The latest news affected 19 services across South Yorkshire from its Powells depot in Hellaby, where it employed around 50 staff. Travel authorities have been working to find alternatives. Routes in Rotherham include the 18 (Doncaster - Edlington - Maltby - Hellaby) where an alternative is two journeys on Service 10 provided by First South Yorkshire from Hellaby to Doncaster. Globe is set to take on the X20 route with a reduced service and replacement operators are being sought for services at Wales High School for September. No replacement is planned for the 3 service (Rotherham - Ravenfield Common) with alternative journeys available on the 116 and X10 services. Alternatives have not yet been annouced for the 117 (Rotherham - Bramley) service or the A1 (Sheffield - Waverley - Meadowhall) route. Advertisement Lynn McClelland, HCT Group Chief Executive, said: "This is a very sad day for us all at HCT Group. Everyone at Powell’s – and across the wider HCT Group – has worked tirelessly to put the operations in Yorkshire on a sustainable footing, but there is nothing further to be done. "It has been our pleasure and privilege to serve the people of South Yorkshire since we began operating services in 2018, and an honour to work with such a dedicated team. I am saddened for those colleagues whose livelihoods are affected and for the passengers in Yorkshire who rely on us. I am deeply sorry that this is the outcome we face." South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: "At a time when operators are already failing to provide passengers with the services they need and deserve this is another blow. “With the limited public money available to support bus companies, we had been providing Powell’s with additional levels of financial support this year. Their announcement this week is just another example of how the system as a whole is broken - temporarily plugging the gap of at-risk services is not a viable long-term solution or a route to building the public transport network our region needs. “Right now we have a broken system that allows operators to simply walk away, leaving taxpayers to step in and prop up services, so people can get to work, school, medical appointments and to see family and friends. That’s why we are undertaking the assessment into whether we can franchise South Yorkshire’s buses, as a route to a long-term solution for our public transport network. In the meantime, it’s also why we’ve asked the government for a funding package that allows us to better support and maintain our public transport network. “More immediately, I have asked officers to look into all the options open to us to protect services, including our legal position in relation to ownership of bus companies. People will understand that it’s a complicated process, limited by legislation in the Bus Services Act and a host of other challenges. However, I will explore any and all opportunities to protect and improve services. “However, my priority is to move at pace to find operators to plug the gaps that have been created by Powells. I’m pleased to say we have had positive conversations with alternative operators and I’m confident we are in a position to fund other operations to provide some of the services that are at threat of being cancelled. We’ll make details available as soon as we have them.” Images: Powell's / Faebook

Current email subscribers to Rotherham Business News need to resubmit their details in order to continue to receive free email updates. With the introduction of new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the fact that Google is no longer supporting the Feedburner service, Rothbiz is switching its emails to Revue, an editorial newsletter service acquired by Twitter last year. Previous Rothbiz email services are being turned off. Unfortunately the switch to a new service won't be done automatically and you need to resubscribe by entering your email address in the box on the right and following the instructions. You will be sent an automatic email and you will need to confirm your subscription (check your spam folders). Alternatively, you can subscribe via this link. - Subscription remains FREE - Email alerts will bring the latest news to your inbox - You will be at the forefront of the Rotherham business community - You will continue to find out things that you never knew where going on in Rotherham You can unsubscribe with one click. Your info will never be shared with anyone. If it is easier for you, you can also keep up to date with Rotherham Business News via Twitter and Facebook. If you like what Rothbiz does and want to help keep me going, (and keep everything free) why not make a donation via PayPal? Any contributions would be much appreciated. Find out other ways to get involved with Rotherham Business News here. Images: Rothbiz

Work gets underway this month on a regeneration project at the Georgian Camellia House at Wentworth Woodhouse, home to some of the Western World’s oldest camellias. The Grade I listed architectural jewel in Rotherham is currently undergoing a programme of mixed-use regeneration, described as the most exciting and challenging heritage project of a generation, that will take up to two decades to deliver and will cost over £130m. Camellia House, which is Grade II*listed, is currently a roofless shell on the Heritage at Risk Register. Restoring it and giving it a new life, Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust’s first full regeneration project, will cost £5m. Construction specialists William Birch & Sons Ltd will carry out the year-long task after winning an exacting tendering process. The York-based company was selected for its expertise in the heritage sector, having delivered the award-winning restoration of Hylton Castle, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and most recently the restoration of the Old Deanery and Exchequergate Arch at Lincoln Cathedral. Gemma Shahjahan, Business Development Director, said: “We are in awe of the incredible architecture of Wentworth Woodhouse and its impact on the local community. It is an absolute pleasure to be selected to work at the Camellia House, on the next phase of the Trust’s journey.” Its team arrives on site on August 15 to erect scaffolding and put measures in place to protect the building’s inhabitants, camellias dating back to the early 1800s. “Our sensitive approach to working on some of the region’s most treasured buildings ideally places us to restore the building, but also carefully safeguard the rare collection of camellias at the heart of the project,” said Gemma. “They will be protected by a scaffolding framework wrapped in a fine netting, which will allow daylight through but mitigate dust and debris around the trees. The planting area will also be protected to prevent lime plaster dust entering the soil. “We will be working closely with the Trust’s Head Gardener, who will be monitoring the camellias daily and carry out a programme of feeding and propagation during the construction phase.” Advertisement The building’s extensive refurbishment will include repairing or renewing roof timbers, stonework, windows and doors, walls and ceilings. A new roof, toilets and a kitchen will be created at the historic front of the Camellia House, and a new glass roof will be re-introduced at the back, where the camellias are housed in historic troughs, and where visitors will enjoy sampling teas from around the globe. The building has no water or electricity supply; bringing in services and drainage facilities will be a complex task. The contract also includes the creation of a new visitors' car park near the Stables, on the site of a 1960s swimming pool block erected while the mansion was home to the Lady Mabel College of Physical Education. In addition, the scope of works will reduce the Trust’s environmental impact with the addition of ground-source heat pumps, which will provide heating for the Camellia House and part of the Stables. The process will be led by UK-wide specialist conservation architects Donald Insall Associates, which opened a York studio in 2021. The award-winning practice and historic buildings consultancy is known for conservation work at some of Britain’s most significant stately homes. It has worked extensively at Wentworth Woodhouse during recent phases of restoration work and emergency repairs at the mansion and stables, which cost £9.7m. In 2021 it was chosen to develop designs for the Camellia House and gain Rotherham Borough Council planning approvals. Dorian Proudfoot, architect and Associate Director, commented: “Following on from our practice’s experience of noteworthy glazed garden buildings at Kew Gardens, we were delighted to be involved in shaping the future of this rare and impressive 18th century Camellia House at Wentworth Woodhouse. “It has been particularly interesting to combine the accurate restoration of the roofless ruin with sensitive adaptation of the building for its new use as a tea house and events venue. “All through the design we have been conscious to protect and provide a safe future for the extremely special and rare camellia plants that have called this Grade II* listed building home for the last two centuries. “Its redevelopment is the next stage in securing a sustainable future for Wentworth Woodhouse, one of England’s finest country houses.” Sarah McLeod, CEO of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust commented: “This is a very exciting time for us - the transformation of the Camellia House is the first project we are undertaking which will bring an entirely derelict area of the site back into full use. “We are delighted that it is in such safe hands. Donald Insall Associates and William Birch & Sons have extensive heritage sector experience and will be undertaking the project with great sensitivity - not least towards our camellias, some of which have survived for 200 years and will have pride of place in our beautiful tea house. “Of course none of this would be possible without the support of National Lottery players and Historic England, and we are very grateful.” Situated close to the site of a menagerie where the 1st Marquess of Rockingham’s famed collection of exotic animals lived, the glass-fronted structure was originally named the Menagerie Greenhouse. Its oldest parts, at the back of the building, date back to 1738 and were a tea house where Lady Rockingham, wife of the 1st Marquess, entertained guests with the fashionable new drink of the day. Eventually the glazed area became home to highly prized camellias from the Far East. It’s believed the 2nd Marquess could have begun the collection and the 4th Earl Fitswilliam took up the hobby. Up to 22 new local hospitality jobs will be created when the tea house opens in summer 2023. A tea menu will embrace tea-drinking ceremonies and cultures from across the globe and the Camellia House will also serve as an evening events space. Its restoration and repurposing is thanks to a number of grants, including £4m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, £250,000 from Historic England and £364,622 from The Hamish Ogston Foundation, via Historic England. David Renwick, Director, England, North, at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We have been delighted to support Wentworth Woodhouse over the last six years. Our latest grant means the Trust can embark on restoring the beautiful Camellia House for the public, and especially the local community, to enjoy and explore its fascinating heritage.” Giles Proctor, Historic England Heritage at Risk Architect, said: “We have been working closely with Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust on the first phase of the restoration of the mansion and our £250,000 grant to the Camellia House project, along with the award from the Hamish Ogston Foundation, acts as a vital catalyst to attract greater amounts of funding. "It will help rejuvenate this wonderful building, provide a lifeline for the skilled crafts people who help keep historic places alive, and give their trainees the opportunity to gain hands-on experience.” WWPT’s own funds and grant applications will contribute £136,536, the Garfield Weston Foundation has donated £118,257, the Ian Addison Charitable Trust £7,500, in-kind donations total £19,270 and volunteer time £33,400. Plans have recently been submitted for another phase of works at Wentworth Woodhouse, focusing on repurposing the expansive stable block and riding school. Wentworth Woodhouse website Images: WWPT / David Sowter

Skill City is being created at Gulliver’s Valley in Rotherham to inspire, immerse, inform and innovate the next generation. A new hands-on approach to developing, growing, and honing skills, Skill City will transform the way the region delivers work related experiences and training for young people, schools, families, and educators. This interactive centre will be delivered by a partnership between Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park, The Work-wise Foundation and The Source Academy, creating a Centre of Excellence to learn about the world of work across all sectors and industries. Businesses and educators from across the region have been invited to a breakfast event on Friday September 16 to find out more about Skill City and learn how they can get involved and play a part in inspiring the future of the region. Julie Dalton, managing director of Gulliver’s Valley said: “Skill City will be a game changer for the pipeline of employment in the region, switching young people on to careers across all sectors with its immersive street filled with businesses enabling learning by experiencing for all ages. “South Yorkshire is a home to some amazing organisations, and we are looking forward to working with them as we showcase this new engaging, innovative experience developed to inspire and inform children, young people, and adults from across the region.” John Barber, CEO of the Work-wise Foundation added: “Skill City will inspire our young people as they are shown the amazing world of work and career opportunities available in the South Yorkshire area. These will be delivered by a team of edutainers who will bring the opportunities to life and showcase the opportunities on offer and skills needed to succeed. “It will be a hands on experience for children from primary age upwards as they experience the wonderful world of work in a fun and interactive way through business-driven role play attractions and activities. “This is one of the most exciting projects to happen in the field of skills and careers for young people in our region for a long time.” Advertisement Construction is expected to begin in 2022 with the aim of opening Skill City in 2023. The project was part of a successful £23m Levelling Up bid. Skill City will feature an immersive street filled with businesses across a range of sectors enabling learning through experiencing for all ages. On Skill Street children and young people will be able to walk into a bank and learn about the different roles and skills needed to work in the financial sector, or step into an engineering environment and have a go at designing or making a product. retail shops will enable customer service and money taking skills to be practiced and leisure and hospitality outlets will demonstrate the skills needed to succeed in these careers – all through hands on play, practice and performance. Trish Smith, CEO of The Source Academy, said: “We are extremely proud to be bringing Skill City to the region. This will be a space where individuals and families will be able explore the great opportunities for careers and training in the region in a relaxed and informal careers community café. "It will be a creative environment allowing careers training to flourish at all levels from school leavers to business leaders in the leadership academy through to returners to work.” Skill City website Images: Skill City

The Department for Transport has put the brakes on a proposed new £30m mainline station, described as being of "fundamental importance to Rotherham." Despite being described by experts as "a relatively straightforward scheme for delivery within three to four years," the Government has now confirmed that it will not allow the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to use £8m from its City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) for the project. Instead, the SYMCA is being allowed to only spend up to £1m from the pot between now and 2027 to "develop the Outline Business Case (OBC) for an integrated mainline and tram-train station." When the Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands (IRP) was published by the Government last November, it scaled back ambitions for Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) with Rotherham and Sheffield missed off the new network. The IRP also showed that the HS2 Phase 2b Eastern leg would no longer reach Leeds and instead included a pledge to look at options on how best to take HS2 services to Leeds. The decision was recently described as "a missed opportunity" by the Transport Committee. In repsonse to the plans, SYMCA said that missing Rotherham off NPR network "runs contrary to the desire to "level up" communities." Rotherham Council described the mainline station as being of "fundamental importance to Rotherham" and added that any downgrading of the scheme "would be a direct detriment to our borough." Advertisement In a letter to South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard, confirming delivery plans, Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Transport, said: "Following a further assessment process, I can confirm that the following scheme will not be funded in full in this CRSTS period: Rotherham Mainline station, including tram-train element. "SYMCA may proceed with spending up to £1m in this CRSTS period to develop the Outline Business Case (OBC) for an integrated mainline and tram-train station. Any further spend is subject to HMG [government] approval based on a value for money and affordability assessment for the integrated station as a whole. This assessment should work on the basis of existing HMG commitments only and should assume by default that no funding outside of CRSTS is available. "I therefore request that you work with my officials to bring forward additional schemes for the remainder of this funding." The settlement consolidates funding from previous allocations of the Highways Maintenance Block, Potholes Fund and Integrated Transport Block. As well as £8m from the CRSTS, £10m has been earmarked to support the mainline station as part of Rotherham Council’s successful £31.6m award from the Towns Fund. The Parkgate area is the front runner with the council and the private sector led Town Deal board already working on a business case focusing on the benefits of the station and the regeneration opportunities around it. Consultants LCR have been appointed to work on a station masterplan and the strategic acquisition of land is also being prepared. NPR is also expected to fund the mainline station. An update on the studies into taking HS2 services to Leeds, which could benefit Rotherham, are expected in September. Images: SYMCA

A number of transport projects in Rotherham have secured funding from a Government settlement with South Yorkshire. The Government has confirmed a delivery plan behind the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s (SYMCA's) allocation for transformative investment in the region’s transport network. The City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) investment is on its way and £570m will bring significant improvements to South Yorkshire’s transport system, enabling people to make public transport and walking and cycling their first choice for travel. The plans will: - Improve the buses network – giving buses priority on roads, provide better vehicles, stations and stops. It includes significant investment in electric buses and installing charging infrastructure at stations and on streets and depots across South Yorkshire to move towards a zero-emission fleet - Deliver better active travel routes, so people can leave their cars at home for short journeys, by building more than 600 miles of new cycle lanes across the region - Invest in tram, securing the first phase of investment in the renewal of Supertram - Build and improve stations and platforms at the region’s rail stations - Ease congestion, build new junctions and repair potholes on South Yorkshire’s roads. The biggest projects (over £50m) are for the renewal of the Supertram network and Gateway East - a propsed railway station at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which itself faces an uncertain future. For Rotherham this includes projects such as a new station at Waverley, the creation of Active Travel neighbourhoods and replacing a number of roundabouts to improve pedestrian and cycle crossing. One major scheme to miss out is a £30m new station on the mainline in Rotherham which is not being fully funded from the settlement. In addition, South Yorkshire has already failed to secure government money for its ambitions plans for transforming bus services in the region. Advertisement At Waverley, a contribution from the CRSTS is for business case development work up to 2026. Work has been underway for a number of years through the Restoring Your Railway "Ideas Fund" for a new railway station on the Sheffield to Lincoln line at Waverley serving the new community and the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP). Active Travel neighbourhoods are to be developed in Eastwood, Herringthorpe and Moorgate with the provision of measures to manage traffic volumes, traffic speeds and parking. More cycleways are proposed for Broom. Also at Eastwood, widening and improvements are planned for Fitzwilliam Road between St Anne’s Roundabout and Mushroom Roundabout to provide an inbound bus lane and separate cycleways. On Wickersley Road, a new bus lane and cycleways are set to be created along 2km of existing highway space. At the roundabouts at Ickles, St Anne's, Worrygoose and Stag, new junctions are proposed with bus priority and improved pedestrian and cycle crossings. The aim is to deliver "bus passenger journey time savings, improved bus journey reliability, better walking & cycling journey ambiance and mode shift." There is some "overprogramming" of the settlement for the possibility of some projects not progressing or needing CRSTS funds. A number of projects are on standby including 1km of bus lane along the A633 Warren Vale, the provision of cycleways in Hellaby and creating active travel neighbourhoods in Maltby and Brecks. To be spent between now and 2027, the settlement consolidates funding from previous allocations of the Highways Maintenance Block, Potholes Fund and Integrated Transport Block. The SYMCA is expected to make a contribution of at least 15-20% of the funding granted for capital enhancements. £5.375m is also available to work up the schemes to deliver as capital projects and the region will now work with the Government to agree the final schemes and outcomes. Images: SYMCA

The regeneration of the Templeborough area of Rotherham is continuing with proposals for another 40,000 sq ft of industrial space. At one time the area was home to a massive steelworks, which at its peak, employed 10,000 people. Still a key location for industry, the area has seen new commercial units spring up and is also home to the Fusion@Magna Business Centre, operated by Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) - the regeneration arm of Rotherham Council. The latest application is for 26 new units on brownfield land on Sheffield Road. Close to the Symphony Group distribution centre and over the road from the power station, applicants, Mandale Construction, want to build on 0.24ha of scrubland where planning permission has previously been granted for the erection of five buildings to form eight office units. New plans are for hybrid units, two-storeys in height and set out in three blocks. The ground floor of each unit comprises of an open plan space for the main B2/B8 functions of future occupants, whilst at first floor level there will be further floorspace which could be used as additional storage/ancillary office space. The main entrance point would be from Sheffield Road. Advertisement The plans drawn up by ELG, state: "The applicant has extensive experience delivering commercial premises throughout the north of England and has completed similar developments, comprising of the units hereby proposed, which have proved to be highly desirable premises for SMEs (small and midsized enterprises). "The proposed hybrid units have been designed so that the internal configuration provides flexible commercial spaces which would suit a plethora of commercial operators." Templeborough is undergoing a multimillion pound regeneration project with the council set to use around £6.5m from the Town Deal to create a new "heart" of the business zone by "bringing forward underutilised sites and creating new opportunities for businesses within accessible and pleasant public realm." The shortage of steel to make shells during the First World War led to the construction of the Templeborough Steelworks that was completed in 1916. The works had 11 open-hearth furnaces, and three more were added later. Templeborough's 14 chimneys became known as the "Fourteen Sisters," a famous Rotherham landmark. The works became known as "Steelos" after the owners Steel, Peech and Tozer. It was the largest open-hearth melting shop in Europe and being so vast, it stretched for a mile on both sides of the road. Navigation was by landmarks and the steelmaking process started at the "Sheffield End" and the finishing took place at the "Rotherham End." Images: Google Maps

A revised scheme at Meadowhall in Sheffield has been scaled back again, but it will still negatively impact on Rotherham, according to updated plans. Rothbiz reported in 2020 that stalled plans for a new £300m, 330,000 sq ft Leisure Hall development at Meadowhall had been scaled back and that planners at Rotherham Council raised concerns over the negative impact of the proposals on a "fragile" Rotherham town centre and the proposed leisure-led regeneration scheme at Forge Island. The updated plans from British Land show a reduced retail, food and beverage, cinema and leisure floorspace. The reduction in retail and leisure floorspace now has an overall proposed cap on such land uses down by 173,708 sq ft to that previously proposed, which was 278,785 sq ft. One addition to the plans is that of a new 21,500 sq ft foodstore and they also exclude a change of use for a distribution unit where a seperate application has been submitted to enable the expansion of a trampoline park. Discussions have continued with planners at Sheffield Council and applicants have included a number of studies on the impact of the latest proposals. They say that "under all scenarios / sensitivity testing the solus impact of the proposals on the vitality and viability of the City Centre [Sheffield] will be lower than that previously identified. The levels of impact remain limited and cannot be viewed as significant adverse." Advertisement The original leisure hall application has now expired. It was approved by Sheffield Council in 2018 despite an objection from Rotherham Council and an acknowledgement that it would "undoubtedly have a negative impact on Rotherham's town centre which is already in a fragile state." The latest estimates are that the new revised scheme will negatively impact Rotherham town centre but to a lesser extant than the 2017 and 2020 proposals. The impact of the proposals on the turnover of Rotherham town centre is calculated at -0.2% in 2025. 2020 proposals had the figure at -0.8%. Rotherham Council previously asked for further assessment as part of the Impact Tests to assess the impact of the Meadowhall development upon the vitality and viability of Rotherham town centre, the planned investment in the Forge Island site and existing investment across the remainder of the town centre in terms of the proposed retail and leisure uses. Forge Island is a Council-owned site which sits between the River Don and South Yorkshire Navigation Canal. Led by Muse Developments, it will host a new leisure scheme with an 8-screen boutique style cinema, modern hotel, food and beverage (F&B) outlets and car parking. It is set to be completed in 2024. The proponents of the Meadowhall scheme have been keen to state how its scheme is different to Forge Island, arguing that the new Meadowhall proposal is designed to be "more aspirational in order to set it apart" and that progress has been made in Rotherham despite the previous larger Meadowhall scheme being granted planning permission. Forge Island already has the Arc Cinema and Travelodge signed up as anchor tenants with two restaurants closing in on pre-let agreements. Planning consultants for Meadowhall have said that the current retail and leisure offer is not comparable to the current proposals at Meadowhall and that "town centre investment is coming forward and is well advanced in Rotherham (eg. Forge Island). This illustrates continued investor confidence." Consultants say that food and drink market interest is determined largely on the secured cinema and add that: "the existing limited F&B offer in Rotherham town centre (particularly family-orientated facilities) also suggests there is notable demand for F&B uses subject to appropriate premises being provided that are supported by key anchor uses - such as that coming forward at Forge Island. "There will be continued demand for F&B uses in Rotherham town centre, particularly alongside the anchor cinema use. "There is nothing to suggest that the proposals at Meadowhall will have a significant adverse impact on planned investment in Rotherham town centre. This includes Forge island given the stage reached and the nature of the scheme." Rotherham Council was preparing to object to the 2020 plans and as statutory consultees, are again being asked for their opinion on the revised plans for Meadowhall. Meadowhall website Forge Island website Images: British Land

A pair of budding theme park managers have joined the team at Gulliver’s Valley in Rotherham, as part of the theme park company’s renowned trainee management programme. James Butler, 27, from Stafford and George Lacey, 25, from Peterborough, have both joined Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts’ year-long bespoke training scheme, which is now in its seventh year. The programme will see James and George start their training at Gulliver’s Valley, before moving on to experience different areas of the business at Gulliver’s other UK sites in Milton Keynes, Warrington and Matlock Bath. The pair –part of a group of nine trainees appointed at Gulliver’s resorts across the country - will take on their own bespoke projects, receive mentoring from a senior member of Gulliver's staff and have access to external development coaches and experts, before stepping into new management roles at the end of the 12-month term. Advertisement James, who has previously worked at Alton Towers and Drayton Manor Resort, said: “I love the thought of working within a family-run business such as Gulliver’s, with such a unique course available that’s designed solely on management training.” George, a former drama tutor for adults with learning disabilities, added: “I have always loved theme parks and I grew up visiting Gulliver’s. I love that this is an opportunity to work for a company which holds my childhood memories and that I could be part of making memories for the young families of today.” Andy Flowers, resort manager at Gulliver’s Valley, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome James and George here to Gulliver’s Valley, to get their management training underway. “The training programme we offer at Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts gives us a great way to seek out the right people and personalities for our park, and to shape our team’s skill base as we continue to expand and explore new and exciting ways to enhance the experience we offer families when they visit.” Eight trainee managers recently graduated from the programme, stepping into leadership roles across Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts. Gulliver's website Images: Gulliver's

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber is set to welcome a bumper crowd to its popular business showcase, Chamber Means Business, which is set to return this autumn. One of the largest free-to-attend events hosted by the Chamber, this year will see Chamber Means Business celebrate its tenth anniversary and will offer the chance for businesses to make new connections, share ideas, as well as finding new ways of working collaboratively. Featuring a sell-out exhibition with over 50 businesses highlighting their products and services, this year’s event has been sponsored by BIPC South Yorkshire and KCM Waste Management. As well as the usual sell-out exhibition area, we shall also be putting time aside to hear from leading key players across the region’s local economy, outlining plans for the future and focussing on the investment potential there is across South Yorkshire. More than 300 representatives are expected to take part in the Chamber Means Business. Registration is free, and tickets are now available via the event website. Advertisement Sophie Heaton, Business Engagement & Marketing Manager, BIPC South Yorkshire said: “South Yorkshire is a fantastic place to start, develop and grow a business. The collaboration and enthusiasm we see between businesses in the region is fantastic and we are proud to support Chamber Means Business. "This year we expanded our services into both Barnsley and Rotherham and we’re looking forward to collaborating with local business leaders and community partners and playing our part in supporting Barnsley and Rotherham’s business communities.” Hannah Baker, Marketing Manager, KCM Waste Management said: “Chamber Means Business has proven again to be an invaluable opportunity for businesses within our region to build on existing relationships and create new ones. The expo is always a highlight of the year for us here at KCM. It is great to see so many local companies come together to create new business opportunities year after year and to celebrate and be a part of each other’s successes. "We have founded several successful relationships with other Barnsley and Rotherham businesses through attending and exhibiting at Chamber Means Business, which only stands to prove the importance of events like this in excelling our local business community.” Andrew Denniff, Chief Executive, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber said: “The annual Chamber Means Business exhibition has become one of the most anticipated exhibitions on the local business calendar, we are celebrating our tenth year of this event and are thrilled to once again be back at the New York Stadium, home of Championship bound Rotherham United, on Thursday, 15th September. “The event is a great opportunity to showcase our exhibitors and sponsors, without who we would not be able to provide such an exciting platform to champion our local businesses and members who join us on the day.“ "All stand spaces are already sold out and we are expecting a fantastic footfall on the day, with the occasion remaining a free-to-attend event for all visitors. The exhibition creates a whole host of opportunities for local businesses to build their brand and raise their profile, whether that be through sponsorship, exhibiting or simply attending as a visitor." Chamber Means Business website Images: BR Chamber

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