Rotherham

Rotherham joined the second phase of the Renaissance Towns programme in 2002.

What is the strategy for Rotherham?

Advisors LDA Design helped to develop the 25-year vision for Rotherham, creating a vision of a place for people. It builds on the town’s roots, developing a new focus on a revitalised river frontage and town centre. Rotherham wants to achieve exemplary standards of architectural design, creating a new and exciting place for the future.

How will this be realised?

• Westgate—a mixed-use residential and office development, opening up access to the riverside
• Guest and Chrimes—Plans for this unoccupied site (which has several listed buildings) include visionary architecture, housing, offices, commercial developments and bridges across the River Don to the Westgate area
• River frontage—a major wetland is being created further up the river which will lower water levels and reduce the risk of flooding. The river frontage will also be the site of a new café
• Cultural quarter—the Forge Island site is the main focus for a new cultural quarter in the town centre. Proposals include a new theatre, museum and library.

How much is being invested?

It is expected that around £2bn will be invested into Rotherham’s renaissance from public and private sources, with about £30m coming from Yorkshire Forward.