Regiment’s museum on the march to permanent home

Originally, it was planned that the museums would be re-homed in Bailey House from their previous home in the former arts centre and central library, which is being demolished.

However, a council spokesman said it was “eventually decided that the museum would be a far more fitting home for both the archives and the much-loved York and Lancaster Regimental Museum, making Clifton Park Museum a one-stop shop for Rotherham’s history.”

Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for lifelong learning and culture, Councillor Amy Rushforth, added: “Tens of thousands of people have enjoyed Clifton Park Museum since its re-opening in 2006 and, with the two important additions, it is hoped that visitors will enjoy and get more out of the museum than ever before.

“Having both the Archives and Local Studies Service, and the York and Lancaster Regimental Museum, is a massive boost to Clifton Park Museum.

“It’s hoped that both services will set up home here within the near future and offer more comprehensive, entertaining and informative service than ever before.

“We’d like to thank everyone for their patience during this move phase and promise that, once they’re both in the museum and normal service is resumed, the same standard of excellent service is guaranteed.”

Rotherham’s new central library at Riverside House, on what was formerly the Guest and Chrimes site, opened to the public for the first time on Monday April 23.

The first major exhibition scheduled there will be the Rotherham Open Art competition which will run from Saturday, June 23.

Meanwhile, the former central library and arts centre in Walker Place is being demolished to make way for a Tesco supermarket.

Plans for the store include a petrol station, 554 parking spaces and a sales area of more than 6,000 square metres.

It would also include a major investment in the road network, removing the Centenary Way flyover and improving access to Rotherham’s transport interchange.