Heritage objection to hotel plan for foundry site

The Guest & Chrimes works was built between 1857 and 1888 to produce crucial components for public water systems, including the original leak-proof tap

A heritage body has lodged an objection to a major hotel development proposed for a former foundry site in Rotherham.

The Guest & Chrimes brassworks, built in the 19th Century, was the site where the distinctive red New York fire hydrants were produced and was given Grade II listed status for its "industrial significance" in 1986.

Stewart Developments Ltd plan to transform one of the buildings into a hotel reception, bar and restaurant area and demolish two other buildings to create a new 138-room hotel.

Historic England's objection states the proposal would cause "a substantial amount of harm" and emphasises the importance of retaining more of the historic structure.

The plans, designed by Stephenson Hamilton Risley Studio, for the derelict industrial complex which has sat empty since 1999, include the retention of the northernmost range of buildings including the Guest & Chrimes water tower.

The demolished buildings would be replaced with an L-shaped extension clad in a brass-coloured metal and would be linked to the original building by a glazed walkway.

They said the plans were a "unique opportunity for a high-quality leisure destination" supporting town centre regeneration and finally making use of "a dangerous site which has been fenced off for years" after fire damage and structural instability, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

The proposed hotel would make use of one of the three buildings where the iconic red New York fire hydrants were produced

Historic England said in its objection: "The high level of harm that would result from the current proposals is not considered to be outweighed by the potential public or heritage benefits."

It said its concerns included the lack of condition surveys to prove alternative, less harmful redevelopment options were unviable, and there was a lack of evidence showing firm interest from hotel operators with demand for a new hotel not clearly established.

Historic England said despite objections, it remained supportive "in principle" of the site's development and acknowledged the need for its regeneration and new uses.

It said retaining more of the original buildings would allow a clear reading of the foundry's architectural and industrial evolution – even after the front office range was lost in a 2018 fire.

Public consultation on the application is ongoing, with a decision expected later this year.

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