Historic factory in Kimberworth set for demolition

THE former factory and offices of one of Rotherham’s best known industrial names are set for demolition.
Workers at Robert Jenkins in the 1950s. Picture courtesy of Kathleen Garnett.Workers at Robert Jenkins in the 1950s. Picture courtesy of Kathleen Garnett.
Workers at Robert Jenkins in the 1950s. Picture courtesy of Kathleen Garnett.

Boilermakers Robert Jenkins was established in 1856 on Wortley Road at Kimberworth.

A planning application from Ivanhoe Property Development said: “The buildings are dilapidated and the roof is structurally unsafe. They are beyond economic repair.

“They also contain significant levels of asbestos that needs removing. The combination of these issues render the buildings unsuitable for re-use or conversion.”

Robert Jenkins employed more than 1,000 staff at its peak and was one of three Rotherham factories which made Bailey Bridges during the Second World War. 

The firm folded in 2003.

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