Preferred developer named for China Vision scheme
PLANS for a multi-million pound development on a former colliery site have taken a step forward with the selection of a preferred developer.
Rotherham Council has selected a bid put forward by China Vision and regeneration specialist MCD Developments for the development at the former Pithouse West colliery site, located close to Rother Valley Country Park in South Yorkshire.
The partnership wants to create Visions of China – a major Chinese cultural and leisure development.
The 120 acre cultural theme park would be set in an authentically built and landscaped Chinese environment combining a range of experiences and activities for visitors.
As reported by TheBusinessDesk.com, the team behind the scheme has made a bid to the Government’s Regional Growth Fund for a slug of cash to make Visions of China, which it is suggested could cost £111.8m, a reality.
The £5.7m Regional Growth Fund bid for Visions of China is being backed by the Sheffield City Region’s Local Enterprise Partnership.
The Council’s decision means the Council will now start negotiations with the preferred developer regarding the sale and use of the site.
Coun Roger Stone, leader of Rotherham Borough Council, said: “This is a prestigious project which will create hundreds of new jobs and bring in many thousands of visitors and we are delighted that it is being brought to Rotherham.
“Our decision today is the first stage on the road to turn this ‘China Vision’ into a reality and we will be working hard with the partnership to make it happen.
“This site has great potential and this proposal offers an exciting, unique and imaginative new attraction which meets our local regeneration aspirations and the desire of the region to increase the numbers of visitors from across the world heading to Yorkshire.”
The former Pithouse West site has been owned by the Council since 2001. Earlier this year it was marketed nationally as a potential site for a major leisure scheme and bids were invited from any interested parties.
Prefered bidder status allows the Council and the partnership to begin formal discussions about the site and if these are successful a planning application would be submitted by the partnership.
