Dinnington High Street and Market scheme
About the project
Rotherham Council has secured just under £20 million of Government funding to deliver two projects in the town centres of Dinnington and Wath. This is as a result of the Council's bid to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and follows the £40m already secured for investment in the leisure economy, skills development and town centre regeneration.
The scheme at Dinnington aims to address blight in the town centre and boost the local economy. The funding will facilitate clearance of the burnt out and derelict buildings on the high street and pave the way for a new attractive town square, with purpose built commercial units to diversify the local offer.
Improvements to the outdoor market will contribute to a more attractive environment and give it pride of place on the high street. This will potentially be a pack-away provision, that allows for the space to be used for events and general use on non-market days.
The redevelopment will include high-quality public realm investment and soft landscaping to create a healthy and sustainable town centre. Redesigned pedestrian routes will create safer and more accessible links between the bus station, car parks and the high street.
The project has been developed in more detail since the March 2024 consultation, and planning permission was secured in July 2024 which signalled a major step forward for the project. Rotherham Council allocated an additional £1m for the project at Cabinet in July 2024, bringing the total investment to £12m.
The construction cost requirements have since been reviewed and collated, with a revised budget of £13.312m. This was approved at Cabinet in July 2026.
Project progress
The project has experienced some challenges during the recent tender process, which has unfortunately led to delays in progress. The Council has been working to address these issues and get the project back on track.
As part of this process, the scheme is currently being re-tendered to ensure the right contractors are appointed to deliver the project.
Next steps and timetable
The project will now be delivered in three stages:
Stage 1: Site hoardings
Hoardings are currently being installed around the site. These will include information and messaging about the regeneration project and future plans for the town centre.
Stage 2: Indoor market demolition
The demolition of the indoor market will be delivered separately from the main construction contract. A preferred contractor is currently being selected, with works expected to begin on site in early autumn, this is dependent on Northern Power Grid diversion works having been completed in advance.
The regeneration team continues to work closely with market traders to minimise disruption during this period. Efforts are also ongoing to explore options for relocating market activity onto the street while redevelopment work is taking place.
Stage 3: Main works
The main works contract will be re-tendered, followed by the appointment of a contractor to deliver the wider redevelopment scheme.
Supporting market traders
The Council is continuing to work through the necessary legal and traffic management requirements needed to accommodate traders elsewhere in the town centre during construction. Discussions are ongoing to find the best solution and to ensure traders can continue operating wherever possible.
Public information session
Ward Members have requested a public information session to give residents and businesses an opportunity to hear directly about the latest plans, ask questions and understand the timetable for the next phases of work.
The Council is currently looking to arrange this session in line with demolition works commencing.
Keeping you updated
We recognise concerns that have been raised regarding communication about the project. Ward Councillors and officers have agreed that regular updates should now be provided through the Ward e-Bulletin and other communication channels, ensuring residents, businesses and stakeholders receive accurate and timely information as the project progresses.
Further updates will be shared as key milestones are reached.
