The cost of overhauling Rotherham’s central market precinct has surged again, now reaching £40.9 million, nearly double its original £22 million estimate. The increase is attributed to inflation, additional structural issues, and extensive remediation needs due to the presence of RAAC and asbestos in the 1971-era building.
Rotherham Council has requested an extra £6.5 million from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), on top of the £3.9 million already approved, to cover the viability gap. The new funding would come from SYMCA’s gainshare pot under the Devolution Deal.
The redevelopment, led by Henry Boot, features a refurbished indoor market, a modern library, a community hub, flexible event spaces, and office units specifically designed for social enterprises. Construction began in late 2023, with £4 million already spent before breaking ground and £2.1 million allocated for enabling works. The main construction contract is valued at £36 million.
This project is the second-largest town centre investment in Rotherham after the £47 million Forge Island scheme. The completion date has shifted from 2025 to 2027.
Without the additional funding, the council warned that only safety-related works could proceed, which would undermine efforts to revitalise the town centre and sustain market footfall. SYMCA is expected to review the revised proposal later this month.
