Final phase reached for £47m regeneration project

Building work is on track at Forge Island, in Rotherham, as the development enters the final months of construction ahead of opening to the public towards the end of summer 2024.

The new destination, which will bring a family-friendly offer to Rotherham as part of Rotherham Council’s regeneration vision for the town centre, is being delivered in partnership with the council, nationwide place-maker Muse and contractor Bowmer + Kirkland.

Work began on site in November 2022 and all topping out milestones are due to be reached early next year on the cinema, Travelodge hotel and retail buildings – which are set to house a mix of independent eateries.

Once construction finishes at the end of spring, the tenants will fit out their premises ready for the scheme opening.

Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, Denise Lelliott, said: “These developments form the main cornerstones of the council’s multi-million-pound investment in Rotherham’s future.

“A number of major milestones have been achieved at Forge Island over the last 12 months, including the installation of a new pedestrian bridge.

“It connects to the town centre, nods to the town’s rich engineering heritage and is inspired by the world-famous Bailey Bridge designed by Rotherham-born civil engineer, Donald Bailey, during the Second World War.

Raife Gale, senior development manager at Muse, said: “Developing a transformational scheme of this scale always comes with its challenges – not least the difficulties of building on an ‘island’ surrounded by water – so the fact we’ve remained on track is a testament to the hard work of the whole project team.

“It’s fantastic to see the impact Forge Island has already made on the town centre skyline, and we can’t wait for the community to come and enjoy all that it has to offer when it opens next year.”

Construction work on the £47m Forge Island scheme – which was confirmed as 100% let in October 2022 – is led by contractor Bowmer + Kirkland.

It is working alongside the wider project team which also includes Arup, Helm Consulting, Arcadis and re-form Landscape Architecture. The new pedestrian bridge was designed by FaulknerBrowne Architects.