Forge Island plans move a step nearer

A MOVE to take over four shop leases to boost the Forge Island project has been approved by council bosses.

Commissioner Julie Kenny agreed the proposal to buy out the remaining long-term leases at Riverside Precinct.

Rotherham Borough Council hopes acquiring the shops as well as Forge Island will make the site more attractive to developers.

Cllr Denise Lelliott, Cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, said: “A number of tenants in the precinct have already moved on and only a few traders remain.

“Acquiring this site will enable the council to push ahead with its plans to develop this area of the town centre.

“Forge Island is a major feature in the town and its potential is already attracting a lot of interest from investors.”

A deal with Tesco over Forge Island is expected soon, with demolition work on the former supermarket expected before Christmas.

RMBC wants to see a “vibrant leisure quarter” developed there and is in talks with the Ministry of Justice over taking on the closed courts building.

Also approved at Monday’s Cabinet meeting were an increase in charges to use the toilets in All Saints’ Square and a jump in adult day care and transport costs.