Demolition of burnt-out buildings on Dinnington High Street is set to begin this month, kickstarting work on the redevelopment of the town centre.
Rotherham Council recently appointed Ron Hull Demolition to carry out the work, which will start on 23 February. The demolition will include the removal of the former florists and dance studio on Laughton Road, which were destroyed by fire.
This milestone follows the Council’s successful acquisition of property in the area last year.
Meanwhile, revised plans are also being prepared for the remaining units on Laughton Road.
After detailed surveys revealed the buildings were in a worse condition than anticipated, the Council now intends to fully demolish and rebuild the buildings rather than refurbish them to deliver a safer, higher‑quality and future‑proofed space for businesses that will also better meet the needs of the community.
The new building plans will be submitted for planning approval this month. A tender process to appoint a main contractor will begin shortly, with work expected to begin on site in the summer.
The £12m redevelopment of the high street will include a new public square with a flexible pack-away market, purpose-built commercial units creating new opportunities for local businesses, and improved pedestrian links between transport hubs and the high street.
Cllr John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, said: “I’m delighted to see the first steps being taken in this exciting new chapter for Dinnington.
“The demolition marks a significant milestone, clearing away buildings that have long been seen as eyesores and signalling the start of real, visible progress.
“Our decision to demolish the remaining buildings rather than refurbish them means that residents, businesses and visitors to Dinnington can expect a brand-new development to be proud of. We want to make sure the regeneration of the high street is as cost-effective as possible and rebuilding the units now will mean we avoid costly refurbishment work in the future.
“This is just the beginning of a transformation that will bring lasting benefits to the town and its community. It’s all part of the Council’s commitment to ensuring places are thriving, safe and clean.”
Demolition work is expected to be completed by March, with work on the new development anticipated to start in the summer. The Council will continue to keep the community informed and involved as the project progresses.
The £12m investment in Dinnington’s High Street is part of Rotherham Council’s wider commitment to revitalising town and village centres across the borough.
The £4 million Our Places Fund, focusing on improvement projects to key gateways into principal towns and villages, is actively being rolled out.
In Wath, plans to create a new library and enhance green spaces, providing a modern and inclusive community facility, are underway, with demolition on the existing library set to commence in the coming months.
Investment across Rotherham’s high streets has continued with the recent introduction of a new ‘Street Safe Team’, focused on increasing safety in town and village centres.
