Work begins on multi-million pound public realm improvements

Esh Construction has started public realm works which are designed to support further riverside development in Rotherham town centre.

Procured through YORhub’s YORcivil2 framework on behalf of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, the North of England contractor will deliver upgrades on land just off Westgate, while highway upgrades will be carried out at Water Lane.

A new carriageway will be constructed at Water Lane to improve existing vehicular access and provide a link to a new riverside footpath which will reconnect Water Lane to Rotherham town centre.

Cut and fill operations, deep drainage works, pavement construction and new fencing is required, while gabion baskets will be used to create a retaining wall feature along the new pathway.

Michael Sherrard, construction manager, said: “We look forward to bringing our expertise to this project which will play an important role in improving and facilitating the connectivity of Rotherham Riverside for the future development of the town.

“Esh has vast experience in delivering public realm projects and we are thrilled to continue our working relationship with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.”

Esh’s civil engineering division will also carry out repairs and remedial works to the existing river walls.

The project builds on the firm’s recently completed active travel schemes for Rotherham Council, which include Wellgate and Broom Road, as well as Sheffield Road Cycleways and Maltby Bus Corridor.

Having acquired the land in December 2022 the project forms part of the council’s continued investment into the town centre, bringing new homes, leisure uses and improved public realm.

Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for transport, jobs and the local economy, Councillor Robert Taylor, said: “The access road and creation of a new walkway into the town centre will really complement the new housing developments and leisure scheme at Forge Island.

“The route will support us to continue to breathe new life into this side of the town by helping facilitate new housing developments in the future.”