Fresh delays hit £13.3m Dinnington regeneration as contract re-tendered
The high street scheme was awarded £12 million in government funding in 2023, but its main building contract will now not be awarded until November
Last updated 13th Aug 2026
Fresh delays have hit Dinnington’s long-awaited £13.3 million regeneration project after problems discovered during demolition forced the main contract to be re-tendered
The high street scheme was awarded £12 million in government funding in 2023, but its main building contract will now not be awarded until November, with construction due to start in December 2026.
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council said details about the condition of buildings within the site only became apparent after demolition began and could not have been fully established in advance.
The discovery caused difficulties during the procurement process and prompted the authority to seek fresh bids for the main contract. The council said the project would still be delivered in full, without the need for a major redesign.
Plans include a new public square which can accommodate a pack-away market, new commercial premises and better walking routes between the high street and nearby transport links.
The project’s budget has also increased to £13.3 million after a review identified a possible shortfall caused by inflation and changes in construction and market prices.
Councillors have approved an additional £1.263 million for the development, which the authority said had been secured through the Local Resilience Forum programme.
The scheme has previously been affected by the process of acquiring the properties needed for the development through compulsory purchase powers. The deadline for spending the government funding has since been extended from 2026 to 2028.
Simon Moss, Rotherham Council’s service director for planning, regeneration and transport, said: “The Dinnington regeneration project encountered challenges during the tender process due to issues that only came to light once demolition work began. These related to the condition and details of the acquired properties, which could not have been fully understood beforehand. The Council is addressing these issues to ensure the project progresses as planned.
“The scheme is currently being re-tendered as part of this process, to ensure the appointment of suitable contractors. No major redesign works have had to be undertaken, and the project remains on track to deliver its full original scope.
“A review of the project costs identified a potential funding gap due to challenges around inflation, construction and market prices. The Council has now secured additional funding, with approval granted for a £1.263m increase to the project budget. This brings the total to £13.3m, with the additional funding provided through the Local Resilience Forum programme.
“The main contract was re-tendered in July, with an award expected in November and construction scheduled to begin in December 2026.”