Buildings to be demolished for new town square

A compulsory purchase order has been approved, allowing Rotherham Council to buy and develop the land

Several buildings are to be knocked down to make way for a £12m town centre revamp after a council was given the go-ahead to demolish them.

Rotherham Council said the redevelopment of Dinnington's centre would create a new town square with purpose-built shop units and improved public spaces.

The government's planning inspectorate has approved a compulsory purchase order, allowing the council to buy key properties which must be demolished so construction to begin.

Councillor Chris Read, leader of the council, said the authority remained committed to "delivering the improvements that residents and businesses have been waiting for".

The project also aims to improve the outdoor market and make the area better for pedestrians

The council said it hoped businesses would benefit from an increase in visitors and events.

The leader of the council said the regeneration would create a "renewed sense of pride in the town"

Several objections were raised when the plans were announced in 2023, regarding disruption to trading, relocation difficulties and the financial impact of the compulsory purchase.

Read said: "We've all been frustrated about the length of time it's taken to reach this stage.

"It was never going to be easy with some of the challenges we've faced in acquiring parts of the site."

The council previously said it had been working with relevant businesses to help them move or offer them a space in the new development.

Affected businesses include The Cozy Corner Café, Legends Barber Shop, Limelands Interflora Florists and Max's Pizza.

Read said the project, backed by Levelling Up Funding, would make a huge impact on the area - fostering a "renewed sense of pride in the town".

It is part of the council's wider commitment to revitalise town and village centres across the borough, through the £4m Our Places Fund.

Construction of the Dinnington project is expected to be completed in 2028.

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