Town revamp set to begin after government approval

Compulsory purchase orders will go ahead so the Dinnington town centre revamp can progress

The regeneration of Dinnington town centre is set to begin after the government gave the final thumbs up to Rotherham Council's plans for the area.

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

The £11m project, backed by Levelling Up funding, will see derelict and outdated shops demolished, others revamped and a new public square created plus an improved market space.

The CPO was the final legal step needed before work could 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No alternative regeneration proposals were put forward by objectors and all formal objections were withdrawn by 30 June, ahead of the public inquiry, allowing the order to be confirmed without modification.

Derelict and outdated buildings will be demolished to improve the town centre

In the decision 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 new development once complete.

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

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