With the first phase of the regeneration project now open, the cost of completing a long-awaited revamp of the markets in Rotherham town centre has risen to £46.84m.
The redevelopment of the Drummond Street site also includes a modern central library, a new community hub, improved public spaces, and links to the town centre and college.
The New Market Hall opened for business in July and council reports from earlier in the year had the library down as the next part of the scheme to complete - in "Autumn 2026."
Rothbiz reportd on Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, giving an update on the construction of the library. He told a recent full council meeting: "That work is ongoing and we expect it to open in the first quarter of next year. It will be a great asset."
Henry Boot (HBC) began works at the end of 2023 and have since made progress on the construction which had a total contract price of £36m. Construction costs were reported as £41.735m earlier this year.
The authority had hoped for a new library in December 2025, then autumn 2026, but the completion of the whole project was pushed back to 2027.
The library is designed to be a welcoming cultural, leisure, and learning hub at the heart of the town centre.
In addition to books and resources, the modern facility is set to incorporate several key features including community hubs with a family-friendly café, alongside flexible, multi-purpose event and exhibition spaces. For learning and engagement, the design includes dedicated meeting rooms to support educational programmes, workshops, and diverse community activities.
Images: Tom Austen
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