Plans to develop a new health hub in Rotherham town centre are moving forward following the completion of the first phase of works to the former Boots building on Effingham Street.
Rotherham Council acquired the 25,985 sqft former Boots store at 42-46 Effingham Street in 2023 as part of its wider town centre regeneration plans.
The project is being delivered in two phases, with the first focused on relocating Abbey Pharmacy from the markets complex to the former Boots building.
First phase of the project
Morris & Spottiswood was appointed by the council to deliver the Phase 1 works. This includes the Abbey Pharmacy relocation.
The contractor's £843,580 contract covered the refurbishment and internal modifications required to create the pharmacy facility.
The council formally approved the appointment of Morris & Spottiswood in January 2026, allowing the Phase 1 project to move into construction.
The works were delivered as part of the wider Markets and Library regeneration programme, which required Abbey Pharmacy to move from its existing location.
Second phase of the project
The second phase will look at the potential conversion of the remainder of the building into a wider health and wellbeing hub, working with health service providers and other partners.
The council's latest Health Select Commission presentation said the project remains at an early stage, with further engagement and business case development required before formal decisions are taken.
The Rotherham GP Federation has expressed a strong interest in relocating a number of borough-wide services into the building.
Indicative plans previously presented to the council show potential for around 30 clinical spaces across the ground, first and second floors.
The ground floor would include the pharmacy, with additional health service accommodation proposed on the upper floors.
The council has previously said that primary care services are likely to provide the greatest opportunity for the site, although the final service mix has not yet been confirmed.
The building is located opposite the new Rotherham Markets and close to the planned central library, public transport links and town centre car parking.
The council said the location could improve access to health services while supporting its wider regeneration objectives for the town centre.
Funding for the project has been supported through Pathfinder funding, with the council previously identifying funding for both the Phase 1 works and Phase 2 feasibility studies.
The council's 2025 Health Hub report estimated the Phase 2 feasibility and design work at £400,000.
A further Cabinet decision on Phase 2 is currently scheduled for 14 September.
The decision will consider the next stage of development of the health hub.
No contractor has yet been appointed for the Phase 2 works.
