60 jobs promised at new service centre

A RUN-down former leisure centre site will become home to a new centre providing health and council services—bringing up to 60 jobs.

The delayed Rawmarsh Joint Service Centre looked set to become a victim of cost-cutting earlier this year but planning permission has been granted.

The two-storey collaborative effort by Rotherham Borough Council and NHS Rotherham will have a library, changing rooms and offices.

A pharmacy and community meeting rooms will also be provided at the Barber’s Avenue spot where Rawmarsh Leisure Centre stood.

A planning report said that the centre would enhance the area, adding: “It is considered that the proposal would make a positive contribution to the environment as the scale, design and appearance of the building.

“It is envisaged that there will be 32 full-time employees and 28 part-time employees.”

Rawmarsh JSC was originally planned to be built around the same time as similar centres in Maltby and Aston but there were fears the building project might be cancelled earlier this year because of current financial pressures.

The leisure centre was demolished in early 2008 and the site is currently surrounded by hoardings.