Visitors to Rother Valley Country Park are being asked to take part in engagement sessions to discuss proposed plans for improvements to its facilities.
The improvements are part of wider aims to build a thriving leisure offer and visitor economy in Rotherham.
Rotherham Council secured almost £20m from the government’s Levelling Up Fund to create new jobs and celebrate the "hidden gems" and green spaces that are unique to Rotherham’s heritage, transforming Rotherham into a major leisure destination.
Proposed improvements at the park include a new eatery and meeting place with views extending over the lake, as well as improvements to the public realm, new events spaces, improved parking and a new play area.
The engagement events will take place on 13 to 16 October and will allow local residents and regular users of the park to view the plans and share their views on the developments.
Rotherham’s Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, Cllr David Sheppard, said: “The Council aims to grow Rotherham’s leisure industry and our local economy by making the most of our assets.
“Rother Valley Country Park is much loved by locals and out-of-town visitors alike and it’s really important they have the opportunity to feedback to us about the improvements we’re planning to make.”
Anyone wishing to join the conversation can do so at the courtyard in Rother Valley Country Park on:
- Thursday 13 October – 1pm to 2.30pm
- Friday 14 October – 10.30 am to 1.30pm
- Saturday 15 October - 9.30am to 12.30pm
- Sunday 16 October – 2pm – 4.30pm
In addition to the plans for Rother Valley, Thrybergh Country Park will also benefit from a series of improvements. The funding will also be used to transform part of Wentworth Woodhouse’s stable block to include a new commercial kitchen, café and events space, whilst Magna will benefit from exhibition upgrades which will focus on sustainability and climate change and an improved visitor experience.
These investments will be underpinned by a skills package which will see the creation of a new Skills Street at Gulliver's Valley Resort. This will focus on training, development, and accreditation within the hospitality and leisure sector. Meanwhile, a new incubator space at the former Maltby Grammar School will provide facilities for training, apprenticeships, and start-up support.