Free pizza, drinks & a DJ planned for consultation event over Rotherham town centre reboot

Rotherham residents are being invited down for “free pizza, beers, wine and softs” to chat about the future of the town centre, with a DJ providing the soundtrack.

Developers Capital&Centric are seeking feedback from residents, ahead of proposed regeneration plans for Rotherham town centre. 

The firm, which describes itself as a “social impact developer” is is hosting a ‘Meet the Neighbours’ event at The Empire Theatre, 8–13 Ship Hill from 4-7pm on Thursday (November 12).

Organisers say that alongside the free food and drinks, people will be given the chance to ask questions and share what would make Rotherham town centre a better place to live, work and spend time.

Working with Rotherham Council, Capital&Centric says it is exploring plans for new homes by the water, more green spaces to enjoy and room for independent businesses.

The proposals cover three riverside neighbourhoods at The Statutes, Westgate and Sheffield Road, alongside Snail Hill and Corporation Street in the town centre.

The early ideas for the riverside sites include around 234 apartments and townhouses, with designs inspired by Rotherham’s industrial past.

Warm red and brown brick, pitched roofs and sawtooth rooflines would echo the ironworks, foundries and warehouses that once lined the River Don.

A new public garden and community space on Westgate would create somewhere to meet friends, grab a coffee or enjoy an outdoor event.

John Moffat at Capital&Centric said: “Come for a slice of pizza, stay for a chat. We’re putting on the food, drinks and music, and we’d love people from across Rotherham to join us.

“Bring your mates, bring your neighbours and bring your opinions. We want to hear what you love about the town centre, what’s missing and what would make you spend more time here.

“These are early ideas, so your feedback can help shape what happens next. Whether you’ve got loads to say or you’re just curious, come down and say hello.”

Cllr John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, added: “We want to create a town centre that attracts people to live, work, visit and spend time here, with high-quality public spaces, better use of our riverside locations and opportunities for independent businesses to thrive.

“These proposals from nationally recognised social impact developer Capital&Centric represent an exciting opportunity to learn from some of the best developments anywhere in the country, bringing new homes, investment and activity into key areas of our town centre while building on Rotherham’s distinctive character and heritage.

“At the same time they would redevelop brownfield sites that we are keen to see brought back into productive use.

“I’d encourage residents, businesses and anyone with an interest in the future of Rotherham town centre to take part in the consultation, look at the plans and share their views to make sure we get it right. Community feedback will play an important role in shaping the final designs and ensuring they reflect the needs and ambitions of local people.”

Capital&Centric says is also exploring opportunities for local suppliers and routes into construction and property careers, including apprenticeships and work placements.

Anyone who is unable to make the ‘Meet the Neighbours’ event explore the plans and complete the online questionnaire at capitalandcentric.com/project/rotherham.

They can also email [email protected] or call 0800 689 1095, Monday to Friday, 9am–5.30pm.

The consultation closes on Monday, November 30 2026. All feedback will be reviewed to help inform the next stage of the designs.