Bids invited for £26 million markets redevelopment plans

CONTRACTORS have been invited to bid to redevelop Rotherham Markets — but construction will not start until at least summer 2023.

The successful bidder will be announced by RMBC before the end of the year, after which the final designs will need approval.

Cllr Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, said: “Since the Rotherham Markets opened its doors over 50 years ago, they have been at the heart of the town centre.

“The markets encourage small business owners across the borough to get started and allows them to grow.

“I am excited to see each of the bids the businesses put forward so we can begin the next stage of the development on the markets.”

Rotherham Council secured funding from the Government’s Future High Street Fund to part-finance the improvements, initially estimated at  £16.6 million.

But the authority needed to source an extra £9.8 million after costings were revised following financial challenges like rising inflation.

The project will include new areas for community and events use, as well as the main library which will be relocated from Riverside House.