Council will commit to eyesore redevelopment following compulsory purchase

Rotherham Council’s cabinet is set to confirm its commitment to the redevelopment of 3-7 Corporation Street after going ahead with a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) on the derelict site.The CPO was served on landowners in April 2023 after which there was a statutory 28-day period for any objections to be made.Plans to redevelop the site were approved on 24 May 2023 and include a mixed-use development comprising of 19 modern apartments with commercial space on the ground floor.Previously the buildings at 3-7 Corporation Street were used as a night club but have remained disused and derelict following fire damage in 2007.The council says it plans to work with a developer to bring the redevelopment scheme forward, supported by funding secured through the Town Deal and Levelling Up funds.Leader of Rotherham Council, Councillor Chris Read, said: “The use of a Compulsory Purchase Order is not something the council takes lightly, but in this case the buildings have stood empty for far too long.“If we continue to be unable to make progress with the owners, it is justified to support the continued transformation of Rotherham town centre.“The current burnt-out buildings are situated in a prominent position in the town centre which, when redeveloped, will provide residents and visitors with a welcoming first view into Rotherham and new amenities.”