£11 million plans in for redevelopment of Westgate Chambers

An artist's impression of what the development would look like

There had been uncertainty over the prominent town centre site since Rotherham Borough Council decided to sell up in 2014.

But proposals from HMP Bespoke Construction would see buildings on Domine Lane demolished and replaced with a six-storey development.

Meanwhile, the site’s Main Street frontage would be refurbished and a new courtyard area created between the two sides.

A spokesman for the Sheffield-based firm said: “The new development has the potential to be a key component in the rejuvenation of Rotherham.

“It will bring vibrant retail and leisure space and high quality residential accommodation right in the heart of Rotherham.”

The site is bounded by the 1915 Bar and Bistro and Rotherham Rise to the west and by the Co-op building to the east, which is home to nightspots Elliots, Jaxx and Snafu.

None of these will be affected by the proposals, the plans say, even though the Co-op building is owned by the same developer.

The residential plans include 61 apartments of one to three bedrooms. The proposals include parking for the businesses but not for the flats, in order to encourage residents to use public transport.

Documents filed by Sheffield-based HMP Bespoke in support of its planning application describe the current poor state of repair of the Domine Lane side buildings.

They also suggest how the scheme fits in with the cinema and hotel on Forge Island, as included in RMBC’s masterplan.

“The site is a prominent site adjacent to the central area of Rotherham that has been rejuvenated in recent years,” the papers add.

“It has the potential to expand the vibrant Westgate quarter area of the town centre and enliven the route from planned Forge Island leisure hub, currently the Tesco car park via Domine Lane to the town centre.

“The brand new building on Domine Lane brings high quality contemporary architecture, which will lift the street scene and continue the recent contemporary development.

“The changes to the main frontage to Main Street and Westgate are subtle, designed to maintain the existing character of each individual building.”

Council bosses put the site up for sale three years ago after deciding they did not have the cash to carry out a redevelopment themselves.