Rotherham market and library development new look revealed

Rotherham market and library development new look revealed

An artist’s impression has been released giving the latest glimpse of what the ambitious market and library complex for Rotherham town centre will look like.

The to scale drawings show a cedar clad modern, light filled double height chamber which, once developed, will give a sense of space and scale.

The improvement is a key part of Rotherham Council’s large-scale regeneration plans aimed at breathing new life into the heart of the borough.

The plans will complement the impressive Forge Island development also currently underway – forming the main cornerstones of the council’s multi-million-pound investment in Rotherham’s future.

The plans, which were approved in the summer, will bring together the library, markets, food hall, gallery, and event spaces onto one site, off Drummond Street. Once works are complete, visitors will benefit from a refurbished indoor and outdoor covered market, and an external recreation area.

Not only will this provide a modern and accessible central library but will also ensure links are improved between the town centre, library, and college.

Rotherham Cabinet members are expected to sign off the proposals for the last time, subject to the final procurement cost, at its meeting next Monday, 18 December.

Cllr Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, said: “This next phase of the town centre masterplan is a testament to the Council’s dedication to investing in Rotherham’s future and to preserving the heritage of the town while embracing its dynamic future. The redevelopment will not only breathe new life into the community, but also provide economic opportunities for local businesses.

“Small independent retailers play a vital role within the wider town centre offer and whilst the works are on-going, we ask that residents continue to support local traders by visiting the markets.

"The reinvention of the markets is not just a facelift, but a holistic reimagining that aims to boost the local economy, celebrate our diverse community and provide an accessible, enjoyable space for all."

Rotherham's markets date back to the 13th Century and have been at their current site since 1971.

A council paper published earlier this year said the existing site was under-utilised and poorly connected to nearby housing.

The revamped market will offer more choice, promote local businesses, and improve links to residential areas and Rotherham College.

Main work will begin in Spring 2024, once a developer has been appointed. The outdoor market has already been moved to Effingham Street in preparation and will remain there until the new premises are complete.

Rotherham’s traditional outdoor market continues to take place there every Tuesday, with the general market open Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; antique and bric-a-brac on Wednesdays; and Rotherham Bazaar on Thursdays.

The indoor market will be open throughout the festive period from 8.30am to 5pm, up to Christmas Eve when it will be open from 8am to 12pm. The indoor market will re-open on Wednesday, December 27.

Events taking place at the markets over the coming weeks include a Christmas Gift Market next Saturday, December 16.

Further details on everything the market has to offer can be found by visiting rotherhamtowncentre.co.uk/markets or by following Rotherham Markets on Facebook.

Published: 15th December 2023