Bid aims to take borough’s Levelling Up Fund total to £60m

If successful the money will be used to create a new mixed-use development in Wath town centre, as well as delivering significant improvements to Dinnington High Street and market.

The council has already had two of its three bids for funding from the Levelling Up Fund approved by the Government, with almost £40m agreed to help improve the Leisure Economy and Skills in the borough and Rotherham town centre.

This marks the third and final bid for the council, taking the total possible funding to £60m to be spent on projects which aim to spread the benefits across the whole borough.

Work earmarked for Dinnington includes; clearing burned out buildings, investment in the outdoor market and the creation of a new commercial square which aims to enhance the retail and food and beverage offer in the town and improve public realm and connectivity.

In Wath, the existing library will be demolished and replaced with a mixed-use building with a greater offer to include; library and exhibition space, sensory provision, collaboration space, café and commercial units.

Public realm around the building will also be improved including new play equipment.

Wath ward councillors have helped shape the bid proposal for the new hub to include facilities which benefit local residents.

The council’s cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, Councillor Denise Lelliott, said: “We have put together three bids that will reach out to all areas in Rotherham and help us to continue the progress we’ve already made to regenerate our town, create jobs and build a better borough.

“If successful this final bid will make a real difference to local residents of Dinnington and Wath, providing new facilities and enhancing the retail offer to ensure these much-loved town centres remain vibrant and well-used.”

The Government is expected to reveal the outcome of the bids in the autumn. If successful, the council will have until March 2025 to deliver on the projects.