Office conversion for foodbank’s old base

FRESH plans could see the former Hope Church and Rotherham Foodbank base turned into office space

Both previous tenants have moved to new premises, and plans had been approved in 2022 for the building to be converted to 13 apartments.

But a new application, from Hope Offices Limited, explains how the Grove Road building can help meet demand for small business space within Rotherham town centre.

A statement from planning agents Urbana said all buildings would be retained, with renovations inside.

This will create three floors of office space with a capacity of more than 200, plus meeting rooms and reception areas.

Outside, there will be space for eight cars and 16 bikes.

Urbana said: “The proposals represent redevelopment that will make a significant contribution towards achieving greater economic sustainability in the town.

“The principle of development is further strengthened by the proposal providing a positive addition of high quality flexible office floorspace to the local market.”

The plans say there is a noted lack of flexible working space for small business, which creates a weakness in the local economy.

The red brick building started life as offices, serving Rotherham Rural District Council after construction in 1923. A decorative date stone and ornate masonry surround the main doorway.

The Urbana statement said: “Whilst not a designated heritage asset, the building is certainly an asset to the street and wider surrounding area.”

Rotherham Foodbank, which occupied the building for ten years from 2013, has moved to the Unity Centre at Eastwood, while Hope Church now holds its main Sunday services at Clifton Community School.