Plans for new railway station get vital funding

The new Rotherham Gateway station could be open by 2030

Plans for the new Rotherham Gateway railway station have taken a major step forward after regional leaders approved more than £11m in development funding.

The money from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) will allow Rotherham Council to push ahead with detailed design work, land assembly and preparation for procurement.

The station would sit on the main line between Sheffield and Leeds/Doncaster, reconnecting the town centre with the wider rail network for the first time in decades.

SYMCA's approval means the project can now move into the design and planning phase.

The full scheme is expected to cost between £133m and £167m and is part of broader ambitions to transform the area with new commercial spaces, green infrastructure, 250 new homes, and improved public realm.

The station would also be a vital transport link for the nearby Bassingthorpe Farm development site, which could see 2,500 homes built.

Rotherham Council estimates that the station and surrounding development could create more than 400 jobs and add more than £113m to the local economy over the next 30 years.

Transport modelling has identified potential journey time benefits for new passengers, though further studies are underway to minimise any delays to existing services.

Two layout options are on the table, one with two platforms and another with four, alongside a new tram-train stop to improve links with Parkgate and Sheffield.

A further £10m from the Town Deal programme has been earmarked to support land acquisition and planning consents.

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