Riverside housing plans for town centre

Three new riverside communities could be created in Rotherham as part of wider plans to regenerate the town centre.

Several sites, including Westgate car park, Sheffield Road, the Statutes car park, Snail Yard and 3-7 Corporation Street, have been earmarked for development.

Three of the locations - Westgate, Sheffield Road and the Statutes – could become new riverside residential neighbourhoods, with 225 new homes within walking distance of the town centre.

Rotherham Council's cabinet is being asked to approve £2.42m of investment to move to the next stage of plans.

The developments are expected to focus on "high-quality" apartments and houses, with a strong emphasis on town centre living and a "premium lifestyle offer", according to council papers, with construction due to begin in 2028.

The remaining two sites, at Snail Yard and Corporation Street, would focus on smaller, mixed-use developments 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 and Corporation Street featuring duplex apartments and above ground-floor commercial uses.

John Williams, cabinet member for transport, jobs and the local economy, said: "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.

"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."

The proposals, which are due to be discussed on 6 July, are part of ongoing regeneration work across the town centre.

On 10 July traders are due to move into the new market hall, while their existing home in the indoor market is refurbished.

Meanwhile, a new library is set to be completed in the winter, with an official opening soon after.

Ongoing improvements in Corporation Street, Effingham Street and Riverside Gardens are due to be completed by the end of the year.

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