Extensive landscaping
The project included landscaping with extended pavement construction, and the installation of gabion baskets to form retaining walls. Rope access-trained personnel also carried out cosmetic repairs to the existing masonry river wall.
Sheet piling to future-proof riverbank
A key engineering feature was the installation of over 250 sheet piles to futureproof the riverbank and support the new riverside walkway. 127 pairs weighing up to six tonnes each and measuring between 14-18 metres in length, were installed over a five-week period. Designed with a 100-year lifespan, the new foundation ensures long-term stability and resilience and is complemented by capping beam and balustrade to complete the riverside route.
Constructing local
This scheme exemplifies the ‘Constructing Local’ strategy embedded in YORhub frameworks, which prioritises social and economic value for local communities. Through this approach, Esh Construction delivered:
66 apprentice weeks
15 weeks of work experience
392 hours of employment support via Esh’s Constructing Careers programme
67% of operatives were South Yorkshire residents
Community garden redeveloped
Further community benefit was achieved through the YOR4Good Fund, which provided £8,200 to redevelop a community garden at homeless charity, Lighthouse Homes. Esh’s team, alongside agricultural students from RNN Group, transformed the space into a productive garden where residents can grow fruit and vegetables.
Transformative scheme
Michael Sherrard, Construction Manager at Esh Construction, commented:
“This project has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase our expertise in complex civil engineering. We’re proud to have successfully completed this transformative scheme, which plays an important part in the wider regeneration of Rotherham town centre. The project is a great example of the collaborative partnership we’ve built with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, and we look forward to continuing that relationship through future projects that help shape the town’s future.”
A brighter future
Cllr John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy at RMBC, added:
“The scheme has also delivered a brand-new access road alongside significant landscaping and infrastructure improvements. As we continue to invest in the future of our town centre, and bring brownfield housing sites forward, works like these are an essential part of the redevelopment. It’s all part of the work we need to build a smarter environment, supporting a brighter future for this corner of town.”
Successful delivery
The Rotherham Riverside scheme builds on Esh Construction’s successful delivery of other public realm and active travel projects in the region, including Wellgate and Broom Road, Sheffield Road Cycleways, and Maltby Bus Corridor.
