'We're on track with town centre facelift' - council

Many shoppers, traders and motorists had express concerns about the major renaissance project, Rotherham Council today countered: "Things are moving forward."

Council officials today said "massive strides" are now being taken in the ambitious Rotherham Renaissance programme.

It follows murmurings of discontent among several groups who have an interest in the future of the town centre.

A spokesman for The Civic Society said: "We have seen stories appearing for a long time but not very much seems to have happened so far, except that we have lost some splendid shops from Imperial Buildings and the All Saints' building.

"With a view to finding out what really is going on we are holding an open meeting at the Town Hall when there will be a presentation by Rotherham INvestment and Development Office and the Council.

"We are hoping for a good attendance and hope this will show what's really happening."

More than 200million of projects are set to regenerate the town over the two decades, including new shops, civic centre, cultural attractions, accommodation and businesses.

People are now beginning to see physical 'progress' as areas of Rotherham are bulldozed to pave the way for new facilities.

But this has also meant several popular town centre car parks have been closed along with many small shops, which were part of the town centre community.

Critics are asking why there is such a big gap between car parks and shops closing and regeneration work beginning on the land.

Council leader Coun Roger Stone, chairman of Renaissance Town Team, said: "People rightly want to see proof before they will really believe a 25-year programme will happen.

"It's exciting that so many projects are now happening at the same time to convert the vision into reality."

Mike Smith, the team's vice-chairman and a member of Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: "Developers and other companies don't put in scores of millions without being confident of a return on their investment.

"For the people and businesses of the borough, the return is an improving town centre, a greatly boosted economy and many more jobs."

The Civic Society open meeting takes place on October 4.