SHOP LOCAL
spring back in its step
We’re in the midst of a period of rejuvenation in more ways than one. So, it’s great to see the emergence of an exciting new lease of life in Rotherham Town Centre that will put the buzz and vibrancy back into the town.
Rotherham Town Centre has got a
As part of Rotherham Council’s Masterplan, the town centre is undergoing huge redevelopment to enable it to move forward in an ever- evolving environment. Adaptation is necessary and the new concept for the town centre boldly goes where no other plan has before. The major focus on leisure facilities and modern housing delivers a proactive approach to diversifying the town’s changing role within the community.
Pocket Park
The Arc might be the first cinema in Rotherham in 30 years, but plans are also underway to develop the site of the very first purpose-built cinema in the town. Where once stood the Picture
Palace (and later Whitehall Theatre) the former Primark building on High Street is currently undergoing demolition work to make way for a brand-new pocket park. Having stood empty since 2018, the extensive building was purchased by the Council last November and the short-term plan is to create an attractive green area with a similar concept to the
Minster Gardens.
Seating and trees will decorate the grass covered terraces and planning permission has been secured for three timber-clad pods serving food and beverages to eat- in or takeaway. A stand-out feature will be the vivid red scaffolding and black mesh which will encase the remaining building along Snail Hill. It is hoped that the attractive new public space on High Street will help increase footfall to this area of the town, as well as provide improved access to the historic George Wright Hotel building.
Cinema
There would have been no better adventure – or indeed luxury – for families or courting couples in the inter and post-war years than to go to one of the many picture places in town. Many will still have fond memories of weekend trips to the Scala or Cannon. But now, over 30 years since you could last go and watch a film in the town centre, today’s generation can relive those glorious days as the silver screen returns to Rotherham. Cinemagoers and movie buffs alike will be glad to know that boutique operator, Arc Cinema, has signed a long-term lease to become the anchor of the Forge Island development. As the protagonist in the remake of Rotherham town centre’s narrative, the hotly anticipated cinema will play
the leading role in the ambitious redevelopment programme to revitalise the town centre.
The new Arc Cinema in Rotherham will boast eight state-of-the-art screens, each providing a luxury VIP experience and comfort for a standard ticket price. Audiences will be able to relax in leather reclining seats with extra leg room and enjoy digital laser projection and immersive surround sound for the ultimate high-definition experience.
Construction will begin in 2022 once the groundworks and flood defences are fully completed and it is hoped the first films will be premiered in 2023. Details about the neighbouring hotel and food and drink outlets will be confirmed later.
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aroundtownmagazine.co.uk Public Realm
There is a clear focus on improving the look and feel of the town centre’s various open spaces to complement the housing and leisure developments and give an end-to-end experience for visitors. Work is almost complete on Bridgegate which features new paving, catenary lighting and landscaping. Next in line is College Street which will see 11 new short
stay pay-and-display parking bays created, plus new paving, lighting and street furniture. Public realm improvements will continue to be implemented as part of the Masterplan, which will include Frederick Street later in the year. Designs for Howard Street and Effingham Street will also be developed at the end of 2021.
www.rotherhamtowncentre.co.uk
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