Site Selected
Land fronting Kimberworth Library & Neighbourhood Hub and the adjacent convenience store/Post Office on Church Street, Kimberworth.
The greenspace on the opposite side of Herbert Street will also benefit from enhancements.
Current Site Issues
The landscaped area fronting the Library and Neighbourhood Hub appears neglected and the existing street furniture, such as benches and bins, are dated and would benefit from replacement. Existing block paving to this area is in a generally fair condition but would benefit from refurbishment. In places, this paving has lifted, due to the presence of tree roots.
Existing knee rails across the area appear dated and damaged in places. Soft landscaping across the area would benefit from general enhancement to improve the appearance and provide a more pleasant environment for local residents, visitors and customers.
Details of Proposal
The below concept design has been developed which looks to enhance and improve the appearance of the defined area.
It is proposed that the seating area fronting the library will be enlarged slightly and will feature 3 new timber benches. A boundary hedge and ornamental shrub planting will be added to this seating area to create a more pleasant space to sit. Knee rails will be replaced and new handrails will also be provided to improve accessibility to the facilities.
During site investigations it was found that tree roots from one of the trees fronting the Post Office is distorting the paving and is also growing close to gas pipelines. It is therefore proposed to remove this tree to prevent future issues. To compensate for the loss of this tree, three replacement trees will be planted in the immediate area.
For the area on the opposite side of Herbert Street, it is proposed to replace the existing knee rails and enhance the area by removing any vegetation and reseeding. Bulb planting will also take place, to provide Spring colour and an additional tree will be planted.
Scheme progress and next steps
The above concept design has been developed and a period of consultation with local residents and businesses will take place in early 2023. Feedback received from the consultation will be collated, considered and incorporated into the final design, where appropriate.
It is hoped that work will start on site in early 2023.
Results
For further information on this scheme please contact the Local Neighbourhoods Team:
Neighbourhood Co-ordinator - Andrea Mason
Email: andrea-ace.mason@rotherham.gov.uk
Telephone: 07825 125390
Senior Neighbourhood Co-ordinator - Shaun Mirfield
Email: shaun.mirfield@rotherham.gov.uk
Telephone: 01709 255041