Willmott Dixon has been appointed by Rotherham Council to build three housing developments that will deliver 171 homes in Rotherham town centre. It sees the company return to the town following its work to build University Centre Rotherham, which was completed in 2018.
The homes for Rother Living are being delivered as part of Rotherham Council’s ambitious housing growth programme and Town Centre Masterplan. The developments, which will feature a mix of houses and apartments for council housing, shared ownership, and affordable sale, are split across three sites; one in Wellgate on the site of the former Henley’s garage, the second on Sheffield Road and third on Westgate on the Millfold House development.
Stuart Kerr, operations director at Willmott Dixon, said: “We’re excited to be working in partnership with Rotherham Council and their Rother Living brand to create homes that will make a difference to the local community by helping many residents get on the housing ladder. As an employer within the region and, having recently completed Rotherham’s University Centre as part of the Rotherham Plan 2025, we are delighted to be playing a part in the council’s continued investment in housing and the town centre.“
“Research by the National Housing Federation estimates that over 8.4 million people in England are in unaffordable, insecure or unsuitable homes, with over 400,000 people either homeless or at risk of homelessness – so we are delighted to be providing much needed high-quality housing within the region.”
Stuart added: “Throughout the three projects, we have committed to investing five per cent back into the local community, equating to a monetary value of £1.3m. As with all our projects, we aim to leave a lasting legacy on the communities we work in. During the developments, our teams will be collaborating with local schools and colleges, community projects, and charities. Our teams will also be hosting enrichment sessions, employability skills workshops, site visits, work experience placements, and sessions with ex-offenders and unemployed people helping them back into employment – all to benefit the local community.
“We will also be actively supporting local social enterprises and SMEs, delivering initiatives to improve wellbeing and mental health in the community, supporting local projects, community groups and running initiatives aimed at reducing crime.”
Councillor Dominic Beck, cabinet member for housing at Rotherham Council, said: “These are exciting developments that will deliver 171 new properties for local people, including 129 council homes and shared ownership dwellings. It will transform three disused former industrial sites and comes at a time when the Forge Island part of our Town Centre Masterplan starts to take shape.
“The developments include a variety of property types to suit people of different ages – including first-time buyers, key workers, families, and older downsizers. A lot of hard work has gone into putting these plans together and it’s fantastic to see the Willmott Dixon team making a start on development, which will greatly contribute towards our ambitions for housing growth and town centre regeneration.
“Ultimately, these three developments are a significant step forward in our vision to improve Rotherham town centre, giving it a new sense of purpose with a stronger identity and thriving community, which local people can take pride in.”
The developments, which have been designed by Bond Bryan Architects, are due for completion in 2022.
Willmott Dixon has extensive experience in building all types of residential developments, from housing estates to care homes, retirement villages, mixed-use, and student accommodation, as well as build to rent. It recently completed the Doncaster Housing scheme, which saw the creation of 118 affordable homes within the town and contributed towards the 309 homes that it has completed in the Doncaster area over the last four years. The company is also currently on-site at The Beeches and The Nevilles housing development in Leeds, which is set to deliver 59 new homes when it completes later this year.
