Plans for a new business district around a proposed mainline station in Rotherham have been revealed, complete with new images showcasing the envisioned development.

Efforts to secure the Forge Way, Parkgate site for a combined mainline station and tram-train stop were highlighted by Rothbiz at the end of 2023.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and Rotherham Council, in partnership with Network Rail, are at the helm of this development. This project will see the reintroduction of mainline train services to Rotherham, including direct links to London, which have been absent since the 1980s.

This project is part of the “Network North” document released by the Government following the decision to halt HS2 beyond Birmingham. It was also showcased in SYMCA’s investment portfolio at UKREIIF, a forum aimed at driving UK investment.

The Parkgate site falls within the South Yorkshire Investment Zone, benefiting from £160 million in funding aimed at providing support and financial incentives to investors, developers, and start-ups to encourage business growth and relocation.

According to a recent update from Rotherham Council, the station masterplan is nearly complete, with a delivery strategy expected soon. This plan outlines a 20-year vision for the area surrounding the station.

The update reveals: “The Station Masterplan outlines a regeneration blueprint for land around the station, focusing on creating an Innovation Campus to the west of the main station area. This plan leverages the borough’s strengths in advanced manufacturing and innovation, complementing the existing Advanced Manufacturing Park, Sheffield Business Park, and the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. The station’s innovation campus will form the north-eastern edge of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMID).”

Preliminary discussions with developers have been positive, with the concept of the innovation campus receiving strong support.

The station building is planned for the north-west corner of the site, adjacent to a proposed car park and concourse connecting the mainline and tram-train platforms. The 19,300 sq ft building is designed for three floors, with a dual-purpose structure preferred. Rotherham Council’s regeneration arm, RIDO, is assessing the viability of opening a new business centre within the building.

Illustrative sketches from SYMCA depict a broader redevelopment area, including sites at Mangham Way on the Barbot Hall Industrial Estate, the former council depot on Greasbrough Road, land at Northfield between North Drive and Forge Way, and land near the Rotherham Cut of the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation canal.

Funding of £10 million from the Town Deal has been secured to prepare the Station Masterplan and acquire necessary land. An additional £1 million from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) has been allocated to develop the Outline Business Case (OBC).

The total project cost was estimated at £107.6 million in 2022, with £99.5 million for the station and £7.1 million for the tram-train stop.

Work is ongoing to finalise the full business case for the station, which is expected to be submitted in the summer.