A £5.5million project to redevelop Rother Valley Country park will turn it into a ‘major leisure destination’, according to plans.

The project is called ‘Rother Valley Country Improvement Scheme’. The £5.5 million investment from Rotherham Metropolitan Borough saw work start in 2023 with plans to be finished in Spring 2026.

The council secured £20 million from the government’s levelling up fund, this fund aims to create new jobs and celebrate ‘hidden gems’ and green spaces.

Social inclusion council member, Coun David Sheppard, said: “The council aims to grow Rotherham’s leisure industry and our local economy by making the most of our assets.”

The park, which opened in 1983, covers three square kilometres and has three lakes. Part of it is built on the site of a former open-cast coal mine.

It hosts many activities, including a cable ski system, sailing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, mountain biking and aqua park activities, it also has a camping park.

In addition the park plays host to a number of events. It plans to host the Sheffield triathlons and duathlons, Wild Hybrid Sheffield and the Rother Valley remembrance trail run in coming months.

Emily Scaife, an outdoor instructor from Rotherham, said: “The development will make it easier for young locals to connect through events.”

One of the most prominent parts of the redevelopment, and what is being named the heart of the project, is the new ‘Waterfront Cafe’, this is a stylish new eatery and meeting place that provides views of the lake and an events space.

Miss Scaife added: “I think it will boost tourism, because the new cafe will bring in a whole new group of people even if the regulars still go to the Stables cafe.”

The parking areas around Rother Valley are set to be improved and new parking is being created to allow better access all year round. 

A new and improved play area is also going to be built along with a green space opened up.

A cafe worker at Rother Valley’s ‘Stables Cafe’, said: “The redevelopment will give families and people with children more to do around the park.”

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council said: “This development will represent the first phase of investment in a masterplan for the site.”