Partial car park closure confirmed as Wath library demolition due to begin
Part of a car park will be closed as demolition work on Wath’s existing library building is set to begin in the coming weeks as part of a £9.9m town centre redevelopment.
The demolition marks a step forward for Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council’s scheme to deliver a new library, upgraded public spaces and changes aimed at making Wath town centre more attractive for visitors, residents and businesses.
To allow the work to take place safely, part of the Biscay Way car park, located behind the current library, will be temporarily closed from Monday February 9 until Friday July 24.
The closure is needed to create a works compound while asbestos identified within the building is removed. The council says this will be carried out using specialist equipment and controlled procedures to ensure public safety.
To reduce the impact on visitors to the town centre, on-street parking restrictions in Wath have been extended from one hour to four hours during the works. The changes apply along Sandygate and on the south side of High Street, providing additional longer-stay parking.
Support for blue badge holders will also be maintained, with three new disabled parking bays being created to replace spaces that will be temporarily lost during the demolition. These will ensure accessible parking remains available in the Biscay Way area.
The demolition is expected to be completed by July 2026. Once finished, the hoardings will be pulled back and the car park fully reopened.
In the meantime, library services continue to operate from their temporary location at 4 Sandygate. The temporary library remains open and offers the full range of services, including public computers, WiFi, meeting spaces, children’s activities and Makerspace sessions.
Councillor Lynda Marshall, cabinet member for street scene and green spaces, said: “This work marks an important step forward in delivering the new library that Wath has been waiting for. It’s an investment in Wath’s future and part of our wider commitment to create thriving, safe and clean places across our borough.
“To make sure the demolition can be carried out safely, part of the Biscay Way car park will need to close temporarily. We know this may cause some short-term inconvenience, and I’d like to thank residents and businesses for their patience and understanding while this important work takes place.”