Work set to start on major redevelopment scheme
Work is due to start next month on a long-awaited redevelopment project which forms part of Rotherham’s continued regeneration.
The £10m revamp of Westgate Chambers, designed by Sheffield-based Self Architects, will create a commercial, retail and residential development in the heart of the town centre.
Located on an island site between Main Street, Westgate, Domine Lane and Market Street, the project involves renovating six buildings that surround a landscaped internal courtyard, including a superb Georgian Grade II listed building, one of the oldest surviving historic structures in Rotherham town centre.
The scheme, by Peter Hill of developers HMP Bespoke Construction, will provide retail, leisure and commercial space at street level with 29 contemporary apartments over three floors.
Dilapidated buildings on Domine Lane will be demolished and a new contemporary building will feature 7,000 sq ft of retail and commercial ground floor space with a further 32, one, two and three-bedroomed apartments above.
Project architect Simon Lunn said: “We were pleased to have secured planning approval on behalf of our client and are delighted to be part of the team on such an exciting courtyard development in the heart of Rotherham town centre.”
The listed Georgian building, known as the Co-op building, was originally a residence built in 1794 by the architect John Platt. The proposals, approved by Rotherham Council, include reinstating the Georgian façade and renewing the shopfronts in a style complimentary to the building and in keeping with the heritage-led development of Rotherham High Street.
Hill said: “Works will start around the beginning of April on what will be around a three-year build programme.
“These are exciting times ahead for all concerned with this prestigious scheme and we look forward to it moving forward with the additional regeneration of Rotherham town centre, bringing in new restaurants, entertainment and leisure facilities to help new residents to live, work, rest and play and most importantly creating new town centre jobs.”
