Centenary Riverside
Centenary Riverside, next to the River Don in the Templeborough district of Rotherham is a green space with a dual purpose. The site of a former steel works has been reclaimed to form a a wildlife reserve that is also part of Rotherham's flood defenses. The wetland area is designed to absorb and distribute floodwaters after periods of heavy rain when the River don is in spate and thus prevent adjacent land from flooding. It is the centrepiece of Rotherham's £14 million flood alleviation scheme, which was created through a partnership led by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, the Environment Agency and the Wildlife Trust for Sheffield and Rotherham.
The ten-acre site is now an urban wetland with footpaths and ponds and newly planted trees, grasslands and wildflowers (2009). Seats, signage and sculptures have been installed. Eventually it is hoped that many native species, including otters, will be re-established. Centenary Riverside forms a part of the Living Don, a project aiming to enhance the ecological network from the Peak District moors to the urban centres of Sheffield and Rotherham. There is a bridge to the canal towpath, plus cycle lanes connecting Rotherham and Sheffield, to make the reserve a great amenity for local people. It is hoped that in time many native species, including otters, will re-establish themselves here.
The remains of the site's industrial past are being retained using the concrete foundations to create wildlife habitats. Sculpture will include Steel Henge on the flood defence bank and the creation of giant deck chair sculptures to reflect both the the old steel industry and the new leisure facility. Other imaginative sculptures will ensure Centenary Riverside is a fun and interesting place to visit - You have been warned! there will be a training and education centre will house Rotherham and Sheffield Wildlife Trust's commercial arm, Wildscapes, as well as providing a resource for local social enterprises. Couldn't find this so probably not yet built.
Centenary Riverside was officially opened on 27th March 2009, and to the general public in Summer 2009. Yours truly decided to pay a visit in June 2010 and I can truthfully say that the hype above, pinched from Rotherham Council copy bears only a passing resemblance to reality. The riverside area has been created in a big bend where the River Don flows northwards of where the village of Ickles used to be; an area that on older maps was called Bromley Sands. I did have trouble finding it: if there is any signage I missed it entirely. I know the planting is new(ish) but except for a few patches, the ground looked pretty barren. Wildlife was frankly sparse. As for the sculptures!!!
There is limited street parking in Riverside Way. The site can be accessed from the lane giving access to the Toyota and Citroen car show rooms off Sheffield Road. There is a car parking area which is bollarded off in June 2010.