Rotherham Council’s Cabinet is set to approve the use of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to acquire the burnt-out buildings on Corporation Street in Rotherham town centre.
Previously the buildings at 3-7 Corporation Street were used as a nightclub but have remained unused and derelict following fire damage in 2007. Since then, the Council has worked with the landowners to encourage them to redevelop the building and to make the area safe for members of the public.
Rotherham’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott, said: “These burnt-out buildings are situated in a prominent position in Rotherham town centre with the poor appearance of the site detracting from the appearance and vitality of the town, and this is having significant negative impact on the surrounding area.
“Unfortunately, negotiations to acquire the building by agreement with the landowners have been unsuccessful to date, making the Compulsory Purchase Order a necessary alternative to bringing the site to beneficial economic use.
“By looking to enact a Compulsory Purchase Order, we aim to redevelop the site for the benefit of residents and visitors to the town centre as part of our Town Centre Masterplan.”
Planning permission for the demolition of the derelict buildings and the redevelopment of the site to provide a mixed-use residential scheme have already been submitted.
This scheme will contribute to the plans to develop the Cultural Quarter to complement the work taking place to develop Forge Island as well as the nearby Riverside Residential Quarter.
Meanwhile, plans are progressing on the redevelopment of Rotherham Markets with Henry Boot recently appointed as contractor for the project.
Extensive public consultation took place on the development of the Town Centre Masterplan, highlighting key sites in the town centre such as the buildings on Corporation Street, including workshops and briefing sessions for residents and business owners.
