Work starts on sustainable new business centre

Designed by Sheffield architects Race Cottam Associates, the Moorgate Crofts development is on the re-claimed site of South Grove School.

Work has begun on the latest phase of Rotherham's new business hub which is set to become a showcase for sustainable green design.

Councillor Roger Stone, Leader of Rotherham Borough Council, was on hand to cut the turf at the new regeneration project on the site of a former school.

Designed by Sheffield architects Race Cottam Associates, the Moorgate Crofts development is on the re-claimed site of South Grove School and aims to become one of Rotherham's most striking commercial developments.

These high quality offices will provide 'grow-on' space for new and developing businesses in South Yorkshire.

The project represents the final element of an economically significant regeneration scheme in Rotherham, with the opportunity for new jobs to be brought into the area.

Race Cottam's contemporary design uses green construction solutions to deliver sustainable and environmentally friendly office spacing.

The green roof design will support biodiversity within the site.

Other environmental features include cutting edge heating and cooling controls, automatic light sensors and full sound insulation.

Mark Barker, Associate at Race Cottam, said: "Our vision was for a striking and contemporary new building to house developing companies within a well-managed office environment, with the potential to become a significant marker in Rotherham's urban fabric.

"Race Cottam have a proven track record of working on and around this site.

We have recently successfully completed commercial office buildings adjacent to the project with the same client and are working on a number of other schemes in the surrounding area".

Councillor Roger Stone, Leader of Rotherham Borough Council, said: "Cutting the turf for the Moorgate Crofts project marks a milestone in the development of this brownfield site.

"These offices, in conjunction with other developments in this part of Rotherham, will provide a valuable influx of business and showcase Rotherham as a fantastic location for companies wishing to site offices in the north of England.

"The first commercial space on this site was built place by the council in 2005, to help fledgling companies to become established and the new offices will help to further economic development." Race Cottam is continuing its working relationship with developers Horbury Estates and builders Millstone Developments .

The three existing blocks totalling 25,000sq ft at Moorgate Crofts were built by the same team last year.

This latest scheme will bring that figure up to 60,000 sq ft.

The site was once a sandstone quarry before production ceased in 1828.

More recently the site was occupied by the South Grove Secondary School, which was demolished in 2004.

The new building will be built using high quality materials to provide a striking building on a prominent escarpment, with views across the borough of Rotherham, to the western edges of Sheffield and beyond, as far as the Peak Park.

Moorgate Crofts is one of three business incubation centres operated by the borough council's regeneration arm, Rotherham Investment and Development Office.

The new building will be run by the private sector.

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