Cabinet officially approves £9m for Wath Library development in Rotherham

Rotherham Cabinet has officially approved the Wath Library project using part of the Levelling Up fund.

Rotherham Cabinet has officially approved the Wath Library project using part of the Levelling Up fund.

A supporting document states that although Rotherham Council was denied twice – once in June 2021 and then again in June 2022 – when it submitted a bid for the central government’s Levelling Up funds, earlier this year “Rotherham’s proposals were identified as one of 16 to receive £200m additional funding for left-behind places and in recognition of the high-quality bid submitted”.

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Rotherham was awarded a total of £19,990,111, which will be spent on two projects – the said Wath Library development and the redevelopment of Dinnington high street.

Cabinet officially approves £9m for Wath Library developmentCabinet officially approves £9m for Wath Library development
Cabinet officially approves £9m for Wath Library development

The Cabinet today was (once again) told that the Wath scheme, which will have a budget of just shy of £9m, would include the demolition of the existing library; the creation of a brand-new library to create a modern, inviting, and inclusive community facility, including some commercial space; design to open up connectivity between Biscay Way and the High Street and encourage visitors into the Town Centre; and public realm improvements.

Project development including design, surveys and public engagement will take place over the next 6-12 months followed by a report back to Cabinet.

A further report detailing how the project will be implemented will be presented to Cabinet in February 2024.