Market's £36m revamp well under way - council

The work will completely modernise both the indoor and outdoor markets

A £36m redevelopment of Rotherham’s town centre market complex is “well under way", the council has said.

Work has begun to strengthen the foundations of the outdoor market space with fabrication work extending into the underground car park, contractors Henry Boot Construction said.

The indoor and outdoor markets, off Drummond Street, will be modernised and will get a new food hall in the revamp scheme.

A new library with a cafe and gallery will also be built under plans approved last year.

Work began on the site in October and since then the former outdoor market space flooring has been stripped while downstairs, works have begun to strengthen the foundations of the outdoor market space.

Preparation work for demolition has also begun on the former Drummond Street shops.

These are set to be demolished in autumn to make way for the library building.

Following the demolition of the Drummond Street shops, the outdoor market canopy will be removed in stages.

Henry Boot Construction began work on the site in October

Rotherham Council received funding from the government's Future High Street Fund to pay for part of the improvements at the market.

Additional funding has come from the council and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

Councillor Robert Taylor, cabinet member for jobs and local economy said: “The Markets redevelopment is part of the Town Centre Masterplan, and to see people on site and spades in the ground shows that the plan is becoming a reality.”

He said the Indoor Market would remain open throughout the redevelopment, but outdoor markets, such as the Tuesday Market, have been relocated to Effingham Street while the project is under way.

Tony Shaw, from contractors Henry Boot Construction, said the work would breathe "new life" into the town centre.

“We have committed to deliver significant social value outputs by utilising a local supply chain wherever possible, local site-specific employment, and delivering multiple training and educational initiatives," he added.

Rotherham's markets date back to the 13th Century and have been at their current site since 1971, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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