Investigation launched after wall collapses into canal

AN INVESTIGATION is under way after sections of the wall behind Rotherham’s walk-in health centre collapsed into the canal just a year after the building’s grand opening.

But NHS Rotherham confirmed this week that the building itself was not in danger of falling into the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation which runs parallel to the health centre.

But Duncan Smales, estates strategy lead at NHS Rotherham, said that the damage did appear to be linked to the development the 1.8-acre site, off Greasbrough Road.

“The Rotherham Community Health Centre building is not falling into the river or in any danger of doing so,” he added.

“However, there have been problems with the stability of the canal wall which appear to be a result of developing the site.”

British Waterways have now teamed up with the building owners, Merchant Place, to determine the cause of the damage and start a programme of repair works.

Developers St Paul's and builder Morgan Ashurst are also involved in the investigation.

Neil Harvey, principal waterway engineer for British Waterways said: “The section of wall in question is currently owned by a third party developer.

“However, as part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining the waterways, we have been assisting the adjacent landowner with their investigations into the cause of the problem and assessing all suitable options.

“Following this, a design scheme will be implemented in order to stabilise the wall and a permanent solution will be devised.

“The navigation will remain open during these investigatory works.”

A spokeswoman for Merchant Place confirmed that they were working alongside the developer, builder and British Waterways to assess the damage and formulate a plan to restore the canal wall but did not wish to comment further.

The development of the health centre on the Centenary Park site near to Bailey House forms part Rotherham’s skyline-changing £2 billion Renaissance project.

Facilities include two theatre suites and community dental facilities, as well as departments for podiatry, physiotherapy, contraception and sexual health, speech therapy, audiology and primary ear care.

It is also open to patients with minor ailments, such as cuts, bruises, sprains and sore throats and the NHS walk-in centre is open seven days a week.

The centre was officially opened to patients a year ago, followed by a pharmacy last summer.