About Rotherham

 

 

Home to over 265,000 people and situated at the heart of South Yorkshire, the borough comprises the minster town of Rotherham itself and a further 100 square miles of smaller towns, attractive villages and rolling countryside.

Rotherham is a largely green borough: 70% rural with three country parks, more than 130 public open spaces, woodlands, rivers and waterways and all within a stone’s throw of the Peak District.

Rotherham has the benefit of a wide choice of housing within the boundary of the town itself with pleasant suburbs like Wickersley, Whiston, and Broom and lovely villages like Brampton-en-le-Morthern, Harthill, and Wentworth. House prices are among the most attractive in the UK, with town and country homes ranging from large, detached houses to picturesque cottages, modern estates to Victorian and Edwardian properties.

KEY FACTS

  • Rotherham is one of four metropolitan boroughs in South Yorkshire with good transport connections.
  • 25 wards covering a wide range of urban, suburban, and rural areas.
  • 70% of Rotherham is open countryside.
  • Rotherham’s population of 265,000 mostly live in urban areas.
  • Population is ageing, with over 52,400 people aged 65 years or over.
  • Diverse community which includes 20,000 people from minority ethnic groups (8.1% of the population).
  • The Pakistani community is the second largest ethnic group after White British.
  • 22% of residents live within the 10% most deprived areas of England
  • 12,667 children were living in “absolute poverty” in 2018/19.

INVESTMENT IN THE BOROUGH

Rotherham is undergoing an exciting transformation, forging ahead with a series of major regeneration projects that are reshaping the future of the town. These initiatives – part of the Council’s commitment to investing in Rotherham’s future – are creating dynamic new opportunities for businesses, residents and communities alike, helping to build a more inclusive economy.

It's our largest regeneration programme in a generation, having attracted more than £100m of government investment already. Here’s a glimpse into some of our projects:

  • Forge Island – Completed in summer 2024, Forge Island is a key town centre development with a new 8-screen Arc Cinema, Travelodge and restaurants. The vibrant redevelopment is transforming the area into a must-visit destination, perfect for days out with family and friends.
  • Markets and Library – A major £40m redevelopment is underway. This will create a modern and accessible central library, a new community hub, extensive public realm and improved links to the town centre and college.
  • Rotherham Gateway –  Our plans for a new mainline station will restore inter-city services to Rotherham for the first time in 40 years, and connect directly to the tram-train network. A key part of the UK’s first investment zone, the wider development will include a significant housing development and 33,000sqm of high-quality employment areas.
  • Templeborough Business Hub – Providing an important transport and employment zone between Rotherham town centre and Sheffield, moreover, it is a location for innovative, globally recognised industry and a primary focus for Rotherham’s industrial economic growth.
  • Dinnington and Wath – We’ve secured nearly £20m, in government funding to revitalise two of our town centres. In Dinnington, approximately £12m will be used to clear derelict buildings, enhance the outdoor market, and create a new town square to boost the local economy. In Wath, around £10m will fund the construction of a modern library and community hub, featuring commercial spaces and improved public areas. 
  • Leisure economy and skills – Using funding secured from the government, we’re rejuvenating our country parks at Rother Valley and Thrybergh with new facilities, and supporting the opening up to the public of the historic Wentworth Woodhouse, a Grade I listed country house in the north of the borough. Meanwhile, in partnership with Gulliver’s Valley, our Skills Street initiative is a programme aimed at helping young people gain valuable skills and work experience by connecting them with local businesses and training opportunities.

Driving a more inclusive local economy

Rotherham is home to the internationally renowned University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, located at our Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP). Where innovative product solutions are made, companies like McLaren and Rolls Royce have chosen to locate here, alongside emerging tech firms that are developing the next generation of advanced technologies.

As part of the UK’s first Investment Zone, it is estimated that this initiative will attract £1.2 billion of private investment and 8,000 new jobs by 2030 in South Yorkshire.

Our award-winning approach to Social Value is maximising the benefits of the Rotherham pound, with social value commitments having been incorporated into all eligible contracts with external suppliers. To date this process has secured nearly £28 million in social value commitments and over £8 million of commitments have been delivered.

In 2021 the Council received accreditation as a real living wage employer by the Living Wage Foundation. Our Employment Solutions team have supported more than 1,250 to get into or stay in work, since it was established in 2020. At the same time, we are mid-way through the biggest council homes building programme since the 1970s.

Rotherham’s Visitor Economy

Investment across the Borough is continuing to strengthen Rotherham’s visitor economy. From Wentworth Woodhouse, to Gulliver’s Valley and Grimm and Co to Magna, we have a wealth of attractions activities that provide things to do for people of all ages.

In 2025 the borough has also become the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture, designed and delivered by children and young people. A year-long celebration of our young people and creativity, it is empowering children and young people to have a voice and play an active role in the borough’s future.

Faerfield