Transformation plan for town centre building

The Eric Manns building is set to be transformed into a hub for young people with additional needs

A Rotherham town centre building is set to be transformed into a support centre for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The new hub would open in the Eric Manns building, which currently has several occupants including South Yorkshire Police.

It would be upgraded to have accessible play areas, converted toilets and a sensory room.

If approved at a Rotherham Council cabinet meeting on Monday, the SEND service is expected to open in summer 2025.

According to the Local Democracy Service, the council would offer a lease below market value for the building.

It previously greenlit a £165,000 initial investment to fund essential upgrades, such as accessible entrances and a new teaching catering kitchen.

The hub would support young people up to the age of 25, offering assistance with digital inclusion, claiming disability benefits, wellbeing, social skills and housing advice.

Current occupants would be relocated across the borough, with the force being moved to Riverside House.

Construction would begin later this year, if plans were approved.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.