Demolition at landmark industrial site could start this month
ONE of Rotherham’s industrial landmarks is set to be changed forever - with the prospect of some or all buildings on site being demolished.
Rotherham Council planners have been asked to clarify whether approval is needed for the potential demolition of factory buildings and offices at the old C F Booth site in Armer Street.
New owners Ron Hull Group have plans for the site which could result in the demolition of the offices which face Armer Street and other factory buildings behind.
The company’s decisions on which buildings may be kept, or removed, will be dictated by whether they can be re-used.
However, if buildings do go, planning documents state the concrete pads they sit on would be left in place, with the land used for storage of metals.
Work would also be done on walls which surround the site, to ensure it remained secure.
The group wants to press ahead with demolition work later this month, a move which would see the removal of buildings completed by the start of August.
The application states the office building dates from early or mid-part of last century, with its original slate roof now replaced with metal cladding.
It continues: “The interior is very closed and unsuitable for modern open office use.
“The building is showing signs of water damage and general neglect.”
Other industrial buildings on site have steel portal frames, with brick and metal cladding.
“Al the proposed buildings within this application to be demolished are showing signs of a long term lack of repairs and maintenance and are in general poor condition,” states the application.
“The buildings are also surplus to the requirements of the current owner’s needs and business operations.”
However, it also explains: “The client is unsure exactly which buildings …. will remain and which will ultimately be demolished.
“The decision will depend on whether factory units/spaces and furnaces etc can be re-used within the current business.”
If they are not required, the expectation is they would be demolished.
Details have been set out as to how demolition, and recycling of materials, would take place.
C F Booth went into administration months ago, resulting in job losses, before Ron Hull Group stepped in to buy the business.