Speakout onscheme forgarden, public told

PEOPLE ARE invited to have their say on plans for a new garden and public space in Rotherham town centre.

Riverside Gardens will form a gateway to the Forge Island leisure development and wider town centre.

The scheme was funded after a successful bid to the Government’s Future High Streets Fund to allow Rotherham Council to transform an under-used car park into a “vibrant new park”.

The proposals include landscaped terraces, accessible routes from Market Street and Domine Lane, a play space for children and a riverside walk along the River Don.

There will also be new seating for visitors to stop and enjoy the view.

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.

Councillor Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, 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 eightscreen state-of-the-art boutique cinema, delivered by The Arc Cinema, a 69-room Travelodge hotel, restaurants and bars.

You can view and comment on the plans online now until May 15 at www.rotherhamtowncentre. co.uk/riverside-gardens

There will also be a public information event in the town centre on May 10 and 11 at the top of Bridgegate next to All Saints’ Square, from 10am to 2pm.