Local MP for Wentworth and Dearne, John Healey MP, and Rotherham Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Sarah Allen, have been welcomed on site at Rotherham’s newest business centre as the project nears the final construction phase.
Esh Construction is building the £5.4 million hub on behalf of Rotherham Council. Named Century II Business Centre, it will offer a range of spaces for local businesses, including 20 workshops, 16 office units, and two laboratories, giving businesses flexible and modern spaces to grow.
The new centre will feature a central reception and lettable conference facilities for larger meetings and functions. Externally, the site will include car parking, cycle storage and electric car charging points. The workshop zone will have its own dedicated service yard for light vehicles.
Andrew Schofield, Operations Manager at Esh Construction, said: “It was a pleasure to be part of this visit and showcase progress made on the scheme so far. As part of the development, we made a commitment to maximising social and economic value within the local community. To date we have delivered careers and employability workshops for young people in nearby schools and colleges, arranged site visits for college students, and facilitated apprentice training on site.”
John Healey MP, Member of Parliament for Wentworth and Dearne, said: “Building work is really coming on and it will be great to see local businesses moving into the centre.
“It’s on the back of the success of the original Century Business Centre, which opened over 20 years ago, that this investment is being made and it’s clear to see Rotherham Council is committed to supporting start-up and small businesses across the borough.”
Cllr Sarah Allen, Deputy Leader of Rotherham Council, said: “This £5.4m business centre is just one of the major investments that the council is making to help create jobs and improve our borough. Spaces such as the workshops, office units and lab spaces at Century II Business Centre offer local businesses an incredible opportunity to grow in their chosen industry.
“It is fantastic to see spaces like these for businesses across the Rotherham borough, creating vibrant business districts with great connectivity and travel links with nearby Barnsley, Doncaster and the wider region. Developments like this highlight and solidify the Council’s pledge to expand Rotherham’s economic opportunities, and I am excited to see what fantastic businesses bloom in years to come.”
Esh Construction was appointed as design and build contractor after the scheme was procured via YORhub’s YORbuild2 framework. The scheme is being delivered in partnership with The Harris Partnership and RWO Associates.
It is due to open to its first occupants in late Spring 2023.
It was a pleasure to be part of this visit and showcase progress made on the scheme so far. As part of the development, we made a commitment to maximising social and economic value within the local community. To date we have delivered careers and employability workshops for young people in nearby schools and colleges, arranged site visits for college students, and facilitated apprentice training on site.”
