£7.3m deal for Rotherham Tesco Extra site

Rotherham Borough Council has agreed the deal for several premises on its former civic site in Nottingham Street, including Norfolk House and the Central Library and Arts Centre, with TCN UK.

TCN UK  already have planning permission for a 110,000 sq ft store Tesco Extra on the site, including more than 500 parking spaces and a filling station.

Work is due to start later this spring and will include the removal of the Centenary Way flyover, upgrading pedestrian crossings and improving access to the neighbouring Rotherham Transport Interchange.

Coun. Gerald Smith, Rotherham Council's Cabinet member for Environment and Development Services, said the sale was a "massive step forward" in the redevelopment of Rotherham Town Centre, which has been on-going since 2008.

He said: "We are obviously delighted to see such a major player re-investing in our town. Tesco have been in Rotherham for many years but the new store will give the residents of Rotherham a much wider town centre shopping offer and experience as well as having a positive impact on the town centre in its own right.

"We also want this development to be a catalyst for further investment and improvement. Our commitment to helping everyone from major retailers to independent shopkeepers to thrive in Rotherham continues and the council, along with other organisations, has been working hard to do that.

“We have improved the infrastructure around the town centre with various developments like the Minster Gardens and the new railway station and there is also on-going support for traders."

Stephen Holme, Director of TCN UK said: "We are pleased to have been able to work with Rotherham Borough Council to help realise Rotherham's Renaissance ambitions for the Town Centre.  Following this land purchase we intend to quickly progress matters that will allow us to make a start on site later this spring."

The current Tesco store located on Forge Island will close on completion of the new Tesco Extra. The Council is already examining options for its future use.