The regeneration of Forge Island and the Town Centre has moved a step closer with two key developments moving forward.
Eric Wright Civil Engineering Ltd has started work on the multi million pound “Phase One” works on Forge Island, including flood defence and enabling work on the Forge Island site which includes retaining walls, terrace seating and high-quality public spaces.
The enabling works are necessary to deliver the full Forge Island scheme, which will include a cinema, food and drink outlets, a hotel, and a car park, with the new leisure facilities set within an attractive public space and a new pedestrian bridge connecting to the wider town centre.
Diane Bourne, managing director of Eric Wright Civil Engineering, commented: “This is a significant project which will complete a further section of flood protection for the town centre and forms part of the enabling work for the leisure-led Forge Island development. As part of the works, we will also be creating a high quality landscape setting adjacent to the Canal and a pedestrian link on to the main Forge Island development. With the project now very much underway, we are scheduled to complete next spring.”
In a separate area of development to the Town Centre Masterplan Black Cat Building Consultancy and Greig and Stephenson Architects have been appointed to work with Rotherham Council and stakeholders to help prepare and develop plans for the markets, to support the Council’s Future High Street Fund bid.
Rotherham is one of the shortlisted areas that will receive up to £150,000 of new funding to work up a detailed bid for town centre improvements. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will work closely with each area to help them develop various schemes.
Rotherham Borough Council’s cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott, said: “It’s great to see works onsite at Forge Island, bringing us another step closer to the exciting cinema and leisure scheme that is planned. I’m delighted that Eric Wright Civil Engineering will be carrying out the flood defence and enabling works to help make these plans a reality.
“Working alongside Black Cat Building Consultancy and Greig and Stephenson Architects to develop plans for the markets means that the big picture for the future of our Town Centre is coming into focus.”
