Celebrating 200 years of Parkgate with a refresh to one of its busiest streets

Cllr Sheppard sitting a bench where the project has taken place.
Cllr David Sheppard in Rawmarsh.

Rawmarsh’s central road, Broad Street, has been given a new lease of life thanks to the Towns and Village Fund.

In keeping with the celebrations for the Parkgate 200, new planters have been installed along Broad Street in key areas – all featuring the Parkgate 200 logo. The area has also benefitted with a general refresh focused around the popular Acorn Park where new benches and plants have been planted to provide a more relaxing area for residents to socialise.

Further works will be delivered in the coming months with the new artwork installation being installed on Parkgate Roundabout to celebrate the 200 year anniversary of Parkgate.

Ward Councillor for Rawmarsh East, Cllr David Sheppard, said: “For Parkgate’s 200th birthday, we wanted to bring something that all residents will make use of and enjoy, as well as celebrating their heritage. I am really pleased to see the results of this project and know that residents will be able to enjoy the new features for many years to come.”

Ward Councillor for Rawmarsh East, Cllr Rachel Hughes, said: “Before the works, Broad Street in Rawmarsh looked a little tired and unloved, but by making these small differences you can see the huge impact they are having on the community and the businesses in the area. It is great that residents have somewhere to meet their friends or have a bit of a rest in Acorn Park, and the artwork on the roundabout brings a sense of pride to our community.”

The Towns and Villages Fund is a multi-million pound commitment from Rotherham Council to deliver improvements to towns and village centres across the borough, and was used to fund this project in Rawmarsh along with many across the borough.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Cllr Sarah Allen, said: “The Council is committed to make every neighbourhood to become a thriving neighbourhood and projects like this one, while a small project in comparison, shows what a huge effect it can have on local people and businesses. I am especially pleased to see this project come to fruition as we continue to celebrate our industrial heritage during Parkgate’s 200th birthday year.”

Community consultation took place throughout November 2022. Feedback from the consultation was evaluated and incorporated into final proposals.

Further information about this scheme and others happening across the borough can be found at www.rotherham.gov.uk/villages.

Published: 12th December 2023