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The leader of Rotherham Council has reassured a meeting that here will be “no burden on the taxpayer”, as the authority’s plans for a new market has run £10m over budget.

The redevelopment of Rotherham Markets is on hold, whilst the council seeks to fill a funding gap of funding gap of £9.8m.

A report states that the extra cash will be needed for the project due to “base materials that are becoming scarcer”.

Rotherham market redevelopment delayed as extra £10m sought

The redevelopment of Rotherham Markets is on hold, whilst the council seeks to fill a funding gap of £9.8m.

Conservative councillor Councillor Tim Baum-Dixon asked the council leader today (September 14) if the plan was still viable.

“Is it actually going to deliver value for money taxpayers of Rotherham, given the extended cost?” He added.

Speaking at today’s overview and scrutiny management board, Councillor Chris Read said that £5m of the shortfall can be made up through the Mayoral Combined Authority gainshare funding.

“We do have some provision in our capital programme for inflation,” he added.

“This is a priority project. Is there a million pounds that can come out of any of the other things that are perhaps less of a priority?

“We’re still delivering the big things that we said we’re going to do.

We are not talking about a further burden on the council taxpayer.

“We are not borrowing further to fund that.

“We think it’s an important part of the town centre redevelopment.”

Coun Read added that “considerable investment” would be needed just to maintain the 1970s – built markets, which are “getting to end of life”.

Councillor Ken Wyatt added that doing nothing to the market building is “not an option” as it is “rotting away”.

“We are committed to the markets and the offer that it brings to the town centre, and how that can be developed – maybe bring in younger audiences.”

The report adds that a review of the scheme has taken place, and funding has been proposed to bridge the gap.

It includes £5m from the Mayoral Combined Authority’s gainshare project, £2.9m that was earmarked for the central library relocation, and re-directed operational building budget of £1.8m, utilising the elements of this budget earmarked for central library and markets capital maintenance.

When complete, the redevelopment will see a new dining area to the first floor of the indoor market, office space for charities and voluntary groups, and a new community hub.

Council leader says extra £10m for Rotherham market redevelopment will not “further burden taxpayer”