A clock that has remained silent for a decade has chimed again for the first time today (Tuesday 26th March 2024) as works to the clock tower at the former Maltby Grammar School gather a pace.
The timepiece that sits on the top of the building’s clocktower has been restored to its former glory and has been heard chiming for the first time since 2014.
Contractors Clegg have worked with Smith of Derby to repair the clock which is once again in pride of place on the building, heralding a new era for the repurposed business hub. Smith of Derby removed the clocks dial works and hands and took the pieces to their workshop for cleaning and diagnostics.
David Sutton, Chief Executive Officer of Maltby Learning Trust, said: “This is a time for new beginnings, and we are all extremely excited to hear the clock chime once again.
“This marks a key milestone in the refurbishment project, and we are edging closer to completing works to repurpose the old Grammar School building, creating a community resource that will accommodate local services, support wellbeing, employment and enterprise and provide substantial learning opportunities for the Maltby community.
“The building will extend Maltby Learning Trust’s Post-16 specialist facilities and create an incubator space for training, apprenticeships and start-up support in the leisure and hospitality sectors.”
The £5.9 million project, which will completed in the spring, is transforming the iconic building into what will become a bustling community hub, bolstering educational, employment, and enterprise opportunities in the Maltby area.
This ambitious project has been made possible through a winning bid secured by Rotherham Council via the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, providing a substantial £4.5 million toward the redevelopment.
The revitalised building, including its iconic clocktower, will span three floors, featuring bookable workspaces, serviced hot-desking facilities, seminar rooms, a community coffee shop, and an apprenticeship and skills development centre.
This initiative is part of a broader £20 million investment by Rotherham Council, focusing on enhancing the leisure economy and skills in Rotherham. Other attractions benefitting from the Levelling Up funding include Wentworth Woodhouse, Thrybergh Country Park, Rother Valley Country Park, Magna, and Skills Street at Gulliver’s Valley.
For further information about Maltby Learning Trust visit www.maltbylearningtrust.com
