High street buildings to be demolished and rebuilt

10 hours ago

Danielle AndrewsLocal Democracy Reporting Service

News image — Several units on Dinnington's high street, including a fire-hit former florists shop, were originally intended to be refurbished

LDRS The exterior of an derelict, red brick, two-storey building. It has boarded up windows on the ground floor and is surrounded by wire fencing. — Several units on Dinnington's high street, including a fire-hit former florists shop, were originally intended to be refurbished

Several buildings on the high street of a South Yorkshire town are to be demolished and rebuilt rather than refurbished as had originally been planned.

Surveys of the units on Laughton Road in Dinnington had revealed they were in a worse condition than first anticipated, according to Rotherham Council.

Fully demolishing and rebuilding the units as part of multimillion-pound regeneration plans for the area would deliver a safer and higher quality development, while also avoiding costly work in the future, a spokesperson said.

Councillor John Williams, cabinet member for transport, jobs and local economy, said the decision marked "a significant milestone" for the town.

The revised approach comes as demolition of a fire-damaged former florists and dance studio was expected to begin on 23 February, a council spokesperson said.

The start of demolition work follows the council's acquisition of properties in the area last year as part of the wider regeneration of Dinnington town centre.

LDRS A drawing of the Dinnington regeneration. It shows to connected red brick buildings. The building on the left has wooden panels on the top half exterior. Both buildings have glass doors and windows. There are trees on the left and right of the building. — The £12m wider regeneration of the high street is expected to be complete by 2028

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, updated plans for the replacement buildings on Laughton Road were expected to be submitted for approval later this month.

The wider £12m redevelopment of Dinnington's high street includes proposals for a new public square with a flexible pack-away market, purpose-built commercial units aimed at supporting local businesses and improved pedestrian links between transport hubs and the high street.

Williams explained: "Our decision to demolish and rebuild the remaining buildings rather than refurbish them means residents, businesses and visitors can expect a brand-new development to be proud of.

"Rebuilding the units now will also help ensure the regeneration of the high street is as cost-effective as possible and avoids more expensive refurbishment work later on."

Demolition work is expected to be completed by March, with work on the new development due to begin in the summer.

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