Health centre proposed at site of old Boots store location.
Transformation of Former Boots Store on Effingham Street
A major redevelopment initiative is set to bring a new NHS health facility to the heart of Rotherham. Rotherham Council has announced plans to convert the former Boots store on Effingham Street, vacant since 2022, into a modern Town Centre Health Hub.
Two-Phase Redevelopment Strategy
The project will be rolled out in two phases. The first phase will see the relocation of Abbey Pharmacy from Howard Street into the refurbished Boots building. This move also supports the wider town centre regeneration by freeing up space for redevelopment work at the Indoor Covered Market, scheduled to begin in February 2026.
The second phase will involve the transformation of the rest of the three-storey building into a larger health centre, featuring GP and walk-in NHS services.
Supporting Town Centre Regeneration and Healthcare Access
This initiative is part of Rotherham Council’s broader strategy to revitalize underused town centre properties. By situating healthcare services centrally, the project aims to enhance medical accessibility while increasing footfall and stimulating economic activity in the area.
Funding and Investment Plans
To finance the redevelopment, the council is proposing to reallocate funds from the Pathfinder programme, initially earmarked for a town centre music venue. Approximately £1.3 million has been set aside for the first phase to cover the pharmacy relocation. An additional £400,000 will support feasibility studies, NHS design compliance, and structural assessments for phase two.
Engagement with Healthcare Providers
Council officers have already begun talks with healthcare providers interested in operating from the new facility. Securing tenants is key to the long-term viability of the health hub, and early interest suggests a strong foundation for future development.
Improving NHS Service Delivery
Leaders believe the hub will help reduce pressure on local NHS services by offering walk-in care in a central, accessible location. With public transport connections nearby, it’s hoped the hub will also cut down on missed appointments and improve patient convenience.
Learning from the Barnsley Model
The Rotherham plan draws inspiration from a successful community diagnostic centre in Barnsley’s Glassworks shopping complex. That facility led to reduced appointment no-shows and boosted town centre spending—benefits Rotherham aims to replicate.
Next Steps and Cabinet Approval
An update will be presented to the Health Select Commission ahead of a cabinet meeting on 7 July 2025. The commission is expected to recommend progressing with phase one and unlocking initial funding. The council will also begin formal negotiations with healthcare partners to shape the second phase.
Conclusion: A Catalyst for Future Regeneration
If approved, the Town Centre Health Hub could become a cornerstone of Rotherham’s ongoing regeneration, breathing new life into a vacant space while expanding vital healthcare access for local residents.
1. What is the purpose of the new Town Centre Health Hub in Rotherham?
The Health Hub aims to improve access to NHS services by providing GP and walk-in care in a central location, while also supporting the regeneration of Rotherham’s town centre.
2. Where will the Health Hub be located?
It will be located in the former Boots store on Effingham Street, which has been vacant since 2022.
3. What services will the Health Hub provide?
The first phase includes the relocation of Abbey Pharmacy. The second phase is expected to include GP services, diagnostic support, and a variety of walk-in NHS health services.
4. How is the project being funded?
Rotherham Council plans to reallocate funds from the Pathfinder programme, with £1.3 million set aside for the first phase and £400,000 for design and feasibility work for phase two.
5. When will a final decision be made on the proposal?
The Health Select Commission will review the proposal before a formal decision is made by the council’s cabinet on 7 July 2025. If approved, work on the first phase will begin shortly afterward.