Council approves Forge Island hotel, cinema and restaurants plan

At a meeting of the board, plans were approved for Forge Island on the River Don to be transformed into a new leisure quarter for Rotherham Town Centre with a cinema, restaurants, hotel, car parking, and residential uses.

A report to the board recommended that members approve the plans, on the agreement that the developer, Muse Developments Limited, will pay £500 per dwelling towards sustainable travel measures,a nd £90 per apartment toward improving green infrastructure.

The development will also require the demolition of 8-18 Corporation Street, and the remaining buildings within ‘Riverside Precinct’.

The plans include a 2,330 sqm eight screen cinema, four restaurants, a 69 bed hotel, a 139 sqm café; and associated car parking, public realm and a new pedestrian bridge over the River Don.

It is hoped that the project will act as a landmark scheme for the wider regeneration of Rotherham town centre and other development sites.

A report to the planning board from the council's officer states: "A new area of public realm will be created with all buildings coordinated around the central space, known as Forge Square.

"This will be a flexible public event space. The podium cannot be accessed by vehicles, it will be accessed via a new pedestrian footbridge from Corporation Street to the east (which will also provide cycle access to the site), a stepped landscaped amphitheatre from the canal to the west, and a new landscaped riverside walk to the north from Bridge Street.

"The pedestrian approach from Bridge Street will take people through a riverside parklet, incorporating tree planting and informal play areas."

Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott, said: ”It‘s fantastic to see the plans for Forge Island approved by the planning board which is particularly important as the town centre begins to find its feet again as lockdown eases a little. We know residents are keen to see the area develop and this is an important milestone towards delivering a scheme which is a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the rest of the town centre.

“A lot of hard work has gone into putting these plans together and we’re determined to see Rotherham Town Centre thrive, not just survive.”

Muse Developments Ltd. will be working with the Council to help deliver the new leisure destination within the heart of Rotherham.

Dan Needham, development director at Muse Developments, said: “It’s testament to the hard work of all partners that we’ve now received unanimous approval from the council to deliver Forge Island. It’s the next stage on our journey to deliver this truly special scheme, which will be completed safely and in line with government guidance.

“At Muse, we’re working closely with our public-sector partners to support them in the delivery of place-changing regeneration schemes that will drive economic and social prosperity when it’s needed most. Forge Island represents what can be achieved when the best of the public and private sector come together with the same vision, drive and goal in mind.”

Eric Wright Civil Engineering Ltd has already started work on the multi million pound “Phase One” works on Forge Island, including flood defence and enabling work on the site which includes retaining walls, terrace seating and high-quality public spaces. The enabling works are necessary to deliver the full Forge Island scheme including a new pedestrian bridge connecting to the wider town centre.

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