Hotel launched at previously derelict regeneration site
Hotel chain Travelodge has officially opened Travelodge Rotherham Central – the town’s first branded hotel – at the new leisure destination Forge Island.
Travelodge Rotherham Central, a 69-room hotel, is the group’s 36th hotel in Yorkshire.
It is the first occupier to open at Forge Island – a once-derelict site turned into a family-friendly destination being delivered in partnership with Rotherham Council and Muse.
Fit-outs are underway elsewhere at Forge Island for The Arc Cinema, an eight-screen cinema – the town’s first movie theatre in more than 30 years – which is expected to open to the public in September.
Rotherham Council leader, Councillor Chris Read, said: “We are well on track to officially opening Forge Island to visitors in 2024 and to delivering a fantastic town centre development which will not only benefit the economy, but which will provide a fantastic leisure destination in the heart of the town.
“We thank the community for supporting us as we see this development come to fruition and as we continue to move forward with our plans to provide the kind of town centre that people can be proud of once again.”
The new hotel features a bar and café for both guests and passers-by, which offers an all-day dining service.
Tony O’Brien, UK development director, Travelodge, said: “We are happy to announce that our first hotel in Rotherham has now opened its doors.
“With its new premium design and great location, I have no doubt our hotel in Rotherham will be a strong addition to the area.
“Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is doing a great job in investing to regenerate the town centre.
“Its funding support has enabled the delivery of this development, at a time when private sector funding is in very scarce supply.
“This will be of great benefit to the Rotherham community for many years to come.”
Raife Gale, senior development manager at Muse, added: “The hotel opening marks the first opportunity to welcome people to Forge Island, and with other tenants working hard to complete their fit outs it won’t be long before more residents and visitors will be able to experience all Forge Island has to offer.”
Together with Rotherham Markets, the improvements are a key part of Rotherham Council’s large-scale regeneration plans.
The wider Forge Island project team also includes Bowmer + Kirkland, Arup, Helm Consulting, re-form Landscape Architecture and Arcadis, with a new pedestrian bridge designed by FaulknerBrowns Architects.
