Plans in to use Forge Island as temporary bus station

South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive has asked to use 0.8 hectares on the northern part of the old Tesco site.

The plan is to build 12 bus stands and bays for passengers during the £12.5 million interchange works, which are set to take 12 months from March.

Planning application papers from SYPTE said: “All bus services calling at the existing interchange will have to be temporarily relocated elsewhere to allow the refurbishment works to progress.

“Forge Island has been identified as a potentially viable site for temporary relocation of the majority of bus services, with the remainder of the services diverted onto Corporation Street. 

“Bus services to the site will be diverted from Centenary Way via Greasbrough Road or College Road and Bridge Street.”

Forge Island’s car park was expanded to include the vacant land after the former Tesco building was demolished last spring.

In supporting the possible loss of the extra spaces, SYPTE said a survey had shown the car park was underused and enough spaces would still be provided.

The bus station was badly damaged in an arson attack in May 2016. A teenage boy is awaiting trial this year.

New lighting, flooring, windows, seating and cladding are among the planned improvements and the 1960s multistorey car park above also requires repairs.

Forge Island is the key site of Rotherham Borough Council’s £150 million town centre masterplan, with hopes of a cinema, hotel and food and drink outlets.