Revamping Rother Valley: £5.5M development brings new life to popular country park with Government's levelling up funds!

The project — funded through Levelling Up cash — will include a waterfront cafe, with indoor and outdoor seating and events space upstairs.

Rotherham Council said improvements to parking plus a relocated cycle hub would be complemented by high quality landscaping to enhance the visitor experience, including with the provision of a new play area.

The news follows planning permission also being given for the £2.5 million development of a new cafe building at the Thrybergh Country Park.

Both projects are being funded from the same £20 million Levelling Up grant awarded by the government in 2021.

And work is expected to start at both of the RMBC-owned attractions later this year.

Cllr David Sheppard, cabinet member for social inclusion, said: “It’s fantastic to see the planned improvements to the facilities at Rother Valley and Thrybergh Country Park, which will develop the sites into a more attractive destination for visitors.

“Once the works are completed, the venues will support year-round events and provide a wide range of fun activities for people to take part in.

“We’re aiming to grow Rotherham’s leisure industry and expand economic opportunity for our residents, so that they can advance their skills and realise their ambitions.”