A major regeneration programme that could transform five key sites in Rotherham town centre is set to move into its next phase.
When it meets on Monday 6 July, Rotherham Council’s Cabinet will be asked to approve £2.42m of investment to move to the next stage of plans to redevelop a cluster of prominent locations across the town centre, including Westgate Car Park, sites on Sheffield Road, the Statutes Car Park, Snail Yard and 3-7 Corporation Street.
If approved, the Council will continue its partnership with social impact developer Capital&Centric, which has already led on the first phase of the potential development.
The company is known for transforming historic mills, industrial sites and vacant land into vibrant communities that combine homes, workspaces, and leisure uses, with a strong emphasis on placemaking and long-term social value.
Notable projects include Kampus in Manchester, a canal-side garden neighbourhood featuring residential, hospitality and public spaces, the transformation of Liverpool’s iconic Littlewoods building into a major film and TV campus and large-scale regeneration schemes such as Weir Mill in Stockport and Goods Yard in Stoke-on-Trent.
Stage One of the Rotherham project focused on initial design ideas, market conditions, how each development would benefit local communities and suggested new ways to involve residents and stakeholders in shaping the projects.
These proposals will be further developed and refined throughout Stage Two, with the resulting detail brought back to Cabinet for consideration. Work will include turning early concepts into detailed, deliverable schemes, including planning applications and full business cases, with the aim of producing fully costed proposals and securing planning approval ahead of a final decision on construction in 2027.
Cabinet will be told how three of the five sites - Westgate, Sheffield Road and the Statutes – could be used to create a new riverside residential neighbourhood.
Early plans suggest around 225 new homes could be delivered across these sites, forming a significant new community within walking distance of the town centre.
The developments are expected to focus on high-quality apartments and houses, with a strong emphasis on modern town centre living and a “premium lifestyle offer” aimed at attracting new residents and increasing spending in the local economy.
If approved, construction on these sites could begin as early as 2028.
The remaining two sites - Snail Yard and Corporation Street - could focus on smaller-scale, mixed-use developments designed to bring activity back into the heart of the town centre.
Plans include office and retail space alongside new residential units, with Snail Yard centred around a courtyard concept and Corporation Street featuring duplex apartments above ground-floor commercial uses.
Cllr John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy: “These plans represent what could be a major step forward for Rotherham town centre and show just how much ambition we’ve got for these sites. We’ve been working closely with Capital&Centric, and we’re absolutely delighted to be continuing that partnership - they’ve brought real creativity and energy to the plans so far.
“What I’d say is, this isn’t just about buildings, it’s about creating new communities, new homes and new opportunities right in the heart of Rotherham. We’re looking at a future where people choose to live, work and spend time here, and that’s something we can all be proud of.
“This is all part of our commitment to creating thriving town centres.”
John Moffat, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: "We’re buzzing about the opportunity to bring the Capital&Centric approach to Rotherham. All five sites are brimming with potential, and our ambition is to create a connected neighbourhood that complements Rotherham’s best bits and feels characterful, independent and full of life.
“The mix of riverside homes, green spaces and commercial space for residents and local businesses to do their thing is how we plan to create a lasting community.”
Rotherham Council’s ambitions for the sites are supported by ongoing regeneration work across the town centre.
Market traders will move into the new Market Hall on Friday 10 July while their existing home in the indoor market is refurbished.
Meanwhile, the town centre’s new library is set to be completed in the winter, with an official opening soon after.
The work is complemented by ongoing public realm improvements on Corporation Street, Effingham Street and Riverside Gardens, with that scheme due to be completed by the end of the year.
The sites earmarked for development in the town centre are part of wider plans for the Don Valley Corridor, the Mayoral investment zone that also includes the Magna Tram Train and the proposed Gateway Station, which is set to create 8,000 jobs, build 3,000 homes and bring a £1.2bn investment boost to the region’s economy.
Read the full Cabinet paper here - https://moderngov.rotherham.gov.uk/documents/s159078/Strategic%20Sites%20Stage%202%20-%20Cabinet%20July%202026%20Final.pdf
