Rotherham Council has put together a bid of almost £20 million for money from the Levelling Up Fund for a further two projects in the borough.

If successful the money will be used to create a new mixed-use development in Wath town centre, as well as delivering significant improvements to Dinnington High Street and market.

Labour’s Rotherham Council Leader, Councillor Chris Read, said: “We very much welcome the news that two of the three Levelling Up Fund bids from Rotherham Council have been approved by the government, supporting our agenda to build a better borough.

“This money will provide much needed funding for developments in and around the town centre, at Rother Valley Country Park, a new Skills Village at Gullivers Valley Theme Park, Maltby Academy and Wentworth Woodhouse.

“We hope that our third bid, that will support improvements in Dinnington and Wath, will also be accepted by the government.”

The third and final bid for the Council, taking the total funding to £60 million, will be spent on projects which aim to spread the benefits across the whole borough.

Work earmarked for Dinnington includes; clearing the burnt out buildings, investment in the outdoor market and the creation of a new commercial square which aims to enhance the retail and food and beverage offer in the town and improve public realm and connectivity

In Wath, the existing Library will be demolished and replaced with a mixed-use building with a greater offer to include; library and exhibition space, sensory provision, collaboration space, café and commercial units. The public realm around the building will also be improved including new ‘play on the way’ equipment.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Labour Cllr Denise Lelliott, said: “We have put together three bids that will reach out to all areas in Rotherham and help us to continue the progress we’ve already made to regenerate our town, create jobs and build a better borough.

“If successful this final bid will make a real difference to local residents of Dinnington and Wath, providing new facilities and enhancing the retail offer to ensure these much-loved town centres remain vibrant and well-used.”

Government are expected to announce the outcome of the bids in Autumn and if successful the Council will have until March 2025 to deliver on the projects.