Rotherham market and library image released

An artist's impression of Rotherham's market and library complex

An artist's impression has been released showing what Rotherham's new market and library complex will look like.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council said the "modern" build will give visitors "a sense of space and scale".

The complex is a key part of the authority's town centre regeneration "masterplan".

The library, markets, food hall, gallery, and event spaces will be built on a single site off Drummond Street.

Visitors will benefit from a refurbished indoor and outdoor covered market, and an external recreation area, the council said.

The new market will offer more choice, while the library will be "a new cultural, leisure and learning destination", it added.

'Not just a facelift'

Councillor Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for the local economy, said the council wanted to preserve the heritage of the town "while embracing its dynamic future".

She added: "The reinvention of the markets is not just a facelift, but a holistic reimagining that aims to boost the local economy, celebrate our diverse community and provide an accessible, enjoyable space for all."

A council paper published earlier this year said the existing site was "under-utilised and poorly connected" to nearby housing.

Plans were approved in the summer and work is expected to begin in spring 2024, once a developer has been appointed.

The outdoor market had already been moved to Effingham Street in preparation and would remain there until the new premises were complete, the council added.