Construction starts on Â£5.5m development

(From left) Phil Purnell; Roe Developments, Richard Squire; Litton Property Group, George Thompson; Fernie Greaves, Kevin Fletcher, Handelsbanken

Bakewell based Litton Property Group was given planning consent to build the 44,500 sq ft (4,135 sq m) scheme in 2014.

Since then three of the nine units that have been built have been pre-let to firms including National Tyres & Autocare (NTS), Al Murad DIY Ltd and The Gym.

In addition to these initial three employers, one unit is also under offer to Halfords Autocentres.

Commenting at a ground breaking ceremony, development director of Litton Property Group Richard Squire said: “We are delighted to be delivering what will be a signature trade counter and gymnasium development for Rotherham.

“Modern, efficient and highly prominent new property is extremely limited in the town and Trade World offers occupiers a unique space to base themselves in Rotherham with easy access to the local and regional road network.”

Also present at the ground breaking ceremony was the corporate manager of Handelsbanken Sheffield Tudor Square, Kevin Fletcher, whose company has provided nearly £3.7 million of funding and related facilities to deliver the scheme.

Speaking about the project, Kevin said: “We are proud to provide funding support to an experienced local developer like Litton Property Group who will then invest in Rotherham and create much-needed employment.

“Strong customer relationships are at the centre of everything we do at Handelsbanken and Litton Property Group is no exception.

“This scheme will help to grow the South Yorkshire economy and we are delighted to be playing a part in that process.”

Construction by Roe Developments (UK) is expected to be complete in December with the units open for trading in early 2017.

Joint agents for the development are Fernie Greaves, CSP and Fairhurst Estates.

Litton Property Group is a Derbyshire-based property development and investment group, established in 1995, based in the historic Lumford Mill in Bakewell, the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District. Handelsbanken is the UK trading name of Svenska Handelsbanken AB, one of Sweden’s leading banks.