More free weekend parking at Forge Island

TOWN centre businesses will be hoping for a boost when the site of the former Tesco supermarket is temporarily opened up for parking.
Demolition crews working on the old Tesco site at Forge IslandDemolition crews working on the old Tesco site at Forge Island
Demolition crews working on the old Tesco site at Forge Island

Demolition crews moved onto Forge Island last month and remained on site this week clearing the way for a new leisure quarter.

Rotherham Borough Council bought the land in February thanks to a £1.5 million loan from Sheffield City Region.

A cinema, theatre, restaurants and bars have been among features suggested for the 4.2-acre plot but a decision on an exact use has been delayed because of purdah, the pre-election period restricting civil servants making announcements.

Karen Hanson, the council’s assistant director for community safety and Street Scene, said the council already provides 300 free all-day parking bays at Forge Island at weekends and two hours in the car park’s 70 ‘red zone’ bays on weekdays.

She added: “There will also be additional temporary parking spaces available once the old Tesco store is demolished, which customers will be able to use for free all day, every weekend.”

Forge Island has been named by the council as its number one priority for the long-term regeneration of the town centre.