Dinnington's £11 million high street regeneration set to begin

The former Limelands building has blighted the top of Laughton Road since being destroyed in an arson attack in 2019.

RMBC’s submission for Levelling Up cash was initially rejected by the government, and it emerged in January that this was because of a rule not allowing places to win funding in successive bidding rounds.

The council announced a £2 million expansion of its Towns and Villages Fund, for which Dinnington and Wath would be prioritised.

The government cash later did come through for the larger project, although inflationary pressures mean some of the extra cash is expected to be used too.

Surveys, design and public engagement will take place over the next six to 12 months, and there is a target completion date of March 2026.

The project could be complicated, however, by the need for RMBC to acquire several private properties, which might need compulsory purchase orders.

But Cllr Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, told Monday’s (7) cabinet meeting: “It’s really exciting, being out there a few times talking to businesses and having a look.

“We all know what it’s like to get rid of burnt-out buildings and they are just as keen in Dinnington as we are in the town centre, so I applaud them for that.”

RMBC leader Cllr Chris Read added: “We are going to have to work hard and be flexible about how we use this money in order to get the best benefit for that community.”