New park opens in Rotherham

The Minster Gardens, located on the footprint of the former All Saints' Building, will be officially opened on Friday July 29 with "RotherFest", a day of celebration and events.

Starting at 10am with a special dedication service of the improvements to the Minster Churchyard, RotherFest will kick off at 10.30am and will feature live musical entertainment, Phoenix Falconry, face painting, a mini petting farm and circus skills workshops.

The day, which concludes at 3pm, will also feature the South Yorkshire Transport Museum, who will be bringing "heritage" buses to the event.

The suggestion for the creation of the half acre Minster Gardens came about after magnificent views of Rotherham Minster were revealed after the All Saints' Building was demolished.

The Gardens, which are set to complement the re-vamped Imperial Buildings, will feature a specific space for open-air events, as well as stepped seating, formal lawns, grass terracing and a meadow area.

To add a traditional twist, the design incorporates the original foundation stones of Rotherham's historic market hall, previously located on "Old Market" until its closure in the early 1970's, will be used to create unique amphitheatre style seating.

The revamped Minster Churchyard, will also be officially opened during the day.

Thanks to funding from Yorkshire Forward and Heritage Lottery Fund, the historic churchyard has been fully landscaped and now boasts natural stone paving and improved grassed areas, new access and steps onto Church Street, bespoke oak seating sat on natural stone plinths with under-seat lighting plus new and improved iron hand-railings.

Cabinet Member for Town Centres, Economic Growth and Prosperity, Cllr. Gerald Smith, said: "I'm delighted that this fantastic project is getting ready to be unveiled.

"The Minster Gardens look great. They complement the surrounding buildings perfectly and will be a massive boost for the town centre.

"Rotherham is blessed with some stunning urban parks and the Minster Gardens will be a great addition to that list, we now have a tranquil space directly facing one of the most beautiful churches in the country where families can play and people can enjoy their lunches al fresco.

"I'd like to congratulate everyone who has worked on this project and can't wait to see people enjoying it on a daily basis."

Canon David Bliss said: "The whole area is beautiful and the new view of the Minster across the Minster Gardens is stunning.

"I too would like to add my very sincere thanks to everyone who has been involved with these projects."