Town revamp plan awaits government approval

Approval of compulsory purchase orders would mean the Dinnington town centre revamp could progress

The regeneration of Dinnington town centre is awaiting a final thumbs up from government before Rotherham Council can act on plans for the area.

A formal decision from the secretary of state is needed for the council's Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the Market Place site.

The £11m project, backed by Levelling Up funding, would see derelict and outdated shops demolished, others revamped and a new public square created plus an improved market space.

The CPO is the final legal step needed before work can begin.

Several objections to the plans were raised, triggering a public inquiry earlier this year.

The main concerns were disruption to trading, relocation difficulties and the financial impact of the compulsory purchase, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The council then offered relocation support, adjusting rent arrangements where possible and providing existing occupiers with first refusal on new units within the scheme.

No alternative regeneration proposals were put forward by objectors and all formal objections were withdrawn by 30 June, ahead of the public inquiry.

Derelict and outdated buildings will be demolished to improve the town centre

In a letter, ministers said the council had made a strong case that the regeneration would benefit the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the area.

The council said it has been working with affected businesses to support relocation or offer them space in the proposed new development.

If approved, construction is expected to be completed in 2028 for the project, which gained planning permission in 2023.

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