Work has started on the demolition of the former Drummond Street shops – also known as the Guardian Centre buildings – at the Rotherham Markets site this week, paving the way for the development’s brand-new town centre library.

This key milestone in the project marks the first visual change at the historic markets site for members of the public, showcasing tangible progress in the creation of a more inviting, inclusive and accessible area of the town centre.

The demolition of the Guardian Centre buildings will last approximately six weeks.

Once cleared, the site will become the location for the new modern, central library, which will tie into the vibrant refurbishment of the indoor and outdoor-covered markets, and extensive public realm improvements.

The new library building has been designed with the town’s community needs in mind. It will feature a dedicated children’s area, café, community meeting spaces, working spaces, a business development facility, IT centre and more.

Lead contractor for the Rotherham Markets redevelopment Henry Boot Construction is keen to support the local supply chain wherever possible and has appointed Rotherham-based Demex as their demolition subcontractor.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy Cllr Robert Taylor said: “We are committing to investing in Rotherham’s future, and the removal of the older buildings brings us one step closer to a fantastic market development which will contain dynamic spaces for all to enjoy, whilst providing exciting opportunities for local businesses.

“In the meantime, Rotherham Indoor Market remains open for business as usual with a range of outdoor markets now taking place in the town centre, so I encourage everyone to continue to support our local traders until they are in their new facilities.”

Henry Boot Construction will be managing the demolition process, reducing dust and noise pollution as much as possible throughout.

They will be using a water mist suppression technique to minimise any dust, as well as installing noise monitors around the site to ensure the team can work safely, whilst also reducing any inconvenience to town centre visitors and local businesses.

Once the demolition of the Drummond Street shops is complete in December, the distinctive 3,500sqm outdoor market canopy – including fabric cover, support wires, and structural frame – will be removed in stages.

Tony Shaw, MD of Henry Boot Construction, said: “This is a significant moment in the Rotherham Markets redevelopment project, as it marks a key period of visual change for the town centre. This phase is making way for the future vision of the town centre – one that will help increase footfall and drive further growth and investment in the town. We look forward to continuing our work with Rotherham Council to breathe new life into the town centre.”

Work on the entire Rotherham Markets development is expected to complete in 2027.

In the meantime, Rotherham town centre visitors are being asked to tell the Council how they use the market currently and what they would like to see from the redevelopment. You can give your views between Friday 1 November and Saturday 30 November 2024 online at www.rotherham.gov.uk/consultations

Alternatively, you can find out more about the plans for the markets and give your views at the Rotherham Markets consultation stand at the Rotherham Bazaar in All Saints’ Square on Thursday 14 November between 10am and 2pm and at Rotherham Indoor Market main entrance on Howard Street from Tuesday 19 November between 10am and 2pm.