The first look of an exciting new public space in Rotherham town centre is available for residents with the launch of an online engagement portal that includes a video walkthrough of how the site could look when complete.
Riverside Gardens is a new public space which will form a key gateway to the flagship Forge Island leisure development and wider town centre. The introduction of additional green spaces and play, with connections to the river and nature is a major part of the vision for the town centre.
The proposals include a series of soft landscaped terraces, accessible routes from Market Street and Domine Lane, natural play space for children and the creation of a riverside walk along the River Don. There will also be new seating and dwell spaces for visitors to relax and enjoy the views.
The scheme extends to Market Street and Domine Lane, with a prime focus on pedestrian access along and into Riverside Gardens. With the pedestrianisation of Domine Lane, the aim is to form an entrance leading to Riverside Gardens and Forge Island from the town centre.
The Leader of Rotherham Council, Cllr Chris Read, said: “Riverside Gardens will provide a great gateway into Forge Island but will also be a destination in its own right. This scheme is a key part of the Town Centre Masterplan and will complement other public realm work across the town centre as we seek to ensure the area is something the whole town can be proud of.”
The Forge Island leisure development will include an eight-screen state-of-the-art boutique cinema, delivered by The Arc Cinema, alongside a 69-room Travelodge hotel. This will be complemented by restaurants, bars and attractive public spaces, creating an exciting mixed-use destination.
Local residents can view and comment on the plans online now until Sunday 15th May at www.rotherhamtowncentre.co.uk/riverside-gardens.
Header image shows an CGI of what the proposed scheme could look like.
