First look at new-look Rotherham Interchange after £12 million refurbishment

At the newly refurbished Rotherham Interchange are, from left to right: Rotherham council's cabinet member for jobs and the economy Cllr Denise Lelliott, the Mayor and Mayoress of Rotherham Cllr Alan and Mrs Sandra Buckley, leader of the council Chris Read, Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis, SYPTE executive director Stephen Edwards and Boston Castle ward councillor Rose McNeely. 190298-1

The Advertiser was given a sneak preview this week of the new-look Rotherham Interchange, which has been renovated in a year-long project led by contractors Interserve.

The work included replacing seating, lighting, internal cladding, electrics and flooring.

The new interchange will also boast an improved CCTV system and free public wi-fi.

New surfacing and larger parking bays suitable for modern vehicles are among the changes to the car park, as well as solar panels to provide 70 per cent of the electricity needed to power the building, 3,800 sq m of external cladding and new electric vehicle charging points.

Interserve said it had used local businesses in the project, benefitting the town by £29 million, and trained 60 Rotherham students on the site.

Almost 1,300 bus services will depart daily from the interchange.

South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) and the project team welcomed the Rotherham Borough Council, Cllr Chris Read, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, Dan Jarvis, and other guests for a preview of the improvements last Thursday.

SYPTE executive director, Stephen Edwards, said the investment aimed to encourage bus use, by providing a welcoming and accessible environment that supports the connection of people to places in the borough and beyond.

Cllr Read, hailed the revamped facility as a “major gateway” for the town and a key aspect of the council’s town centre masterplan, while Mr Jarvis said: “It’s great to see these huge improvements that will make a real difference to people travelling around our region each and every day.”

Mr Jarvis has launched a review of the region’s bus network to identify where improvements can be made.

Interserve regional director Paul Ellenor said: “The new facilities will provide an improved passenger experience and make a real difference to local residents.

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with the council as it continues to invest in the town as part of its regeneration programme.”