Milestones
'Popping out' ceremony'
January 2024
As the development reaches its final stages, teams from Rotherham Council; nationwide placemaker Muse; contractor, Bowmer + Kirkland; and the Arc Cinema celebrated the completion of the shells of the cinema and hotel buildings in a not-so-traditional topping out ceremony. From the roof of the hotel, the teams enjoyed birds eye views of the site with a side of popcorn.
The new pedestrian bridge is lifted into place
June 2023
Based on the world-famous Bailey Bridge design, the new Forge Island pedestrian bridge links the flagship development with the heart of the town centre. It is 46 metres long and weighs 86 tonnes. It was manufactured and installed by S H Structures, specialists in the design and manufacture of complex steel structures. Over a period of two days, a crane was erected and rigged, ready for the careful installation of the bridge.
Two eye-catching cranes are installed on forge island
June 2023
Two cranes, named ‘Rotherham Rainbow’ and ‘Steely Crane’ by local school children, are installed on site to support with the building of the Cinema and hotel. The cranes measure 37 metres and 25 metres tall. As the build develops, the cranes will be removed from site.
Riverside Gardens is granted planning permission
June 2023
Plans put forward by the Council include a pedestrianised walk through from the flagship Forge Island development and a public space which will be suitable for a wide range of ages.
Demolition on the former Wilkinsons site begins
April 2023
The Council acquired the building at 4 Corporation Street in January 2023 to prevent it from becoming a long-term empty building, after high street household, DIY and homewares chain, Wilkos, closed the store. Once demolished, it will make way for the gateway into Forge Island.
All Forge Island units sold out
January 2023
Independent South Yorkshire restaurant chain, The Rustic Pizza Co, joins four exciting brands already signed up to Forge Island. This means that all the commercial spaces have now been snapped up.
Lights, camera, action! - Ground work begins
November 2022
Ground works on the flagship development at Forge Island have begun with diggers and heavy plant vehicles on site as they prepare to lay foundations. Cabinet members, ward councillors, contractors and Rotherham Council staff members went on site to have a look at what was happening
New Brands Sign Up for Forge Island
October 2022
Five food brands have signed lease contracts on Rotherham's Forge Island development. Cow & Cream, Casa Peri Peri, Estabulo Rodizio, Sakku Samba and Caffe Noor will offer residents a range of culinary flavours from across the world, creating a landmark destination.
The old bridge is removed
July 2022
The old bridge across the River Don was removed to make way for a brand-new walkway which will provide a direct link to the Forge Island leisure scheme.
A new landmark is added to the Rotherham skyline
May 2022
In May 2022, the flood barrier on the Rotherham Canal was completed, adding a stunning new landmark to the Rotherham Skyline. Its sleek, modern design gave residents the first taste of the Forge Island development.
Work begins on new town centre flood defence
October 2021
Work on the new canal barrier to join the flood wall that has recently been constructed on Forge Island, began in October 2021. The barrier was designed to reduce the risk of the River Don overtopping into the canal and flooding Rotherham town centre and the Central Railway Station.
After a successful bid, Jackson Civil Engineering Group Ltd was awarded the construction contract following completion of the design by consultants Pell Frischmann.
Rotherham Council outlines Rotherham town centre masterplan
September 2017
The masterplan is focused on developing the economic vitality of Rotherham Town Centre through an ambitious programme of development, landscape and placemaking proposals. The plan aims to bring more life, activity and spending back into the Town Centre..
Rotherham Council commissioned WYG Group and Lambert Smith Hampton to prepare an Implementation Masterplan..