Hundreds of people descended on Forge Island this weekend to enjoy a special day, as celebrations continued to mark the launch of the town centre’s first cinema in more than 30 years.
The Arc Cinema has proved a hit with locals, with many sold-out screenings since opening its doors earlier this month. Over the weekend, families were made up with free face-painting, balloons and giveaways in the cinema foyer, and were greeted by children’s film favourites including a life-sized Paddington Bear and Minion.
People of all ages came down to explore Forge Island, which has been completely transformed from a derelict site – which has historical significance as a former foundry and an iron works – into a landmark leisure destination for the town, delivered by the Council in partnership with nationwide place maker, Muse.
The new public spaces were animated with a live music stage programmed by Rotherham Music Hub, featuring a stellar line-up of upcoming local talent including teenage indie rock band The Kostanzas, country music singer/songwriter Kier, and violinist, Abigail Germany. Stilt walkers, hoop jugglers and acrobats from Yorkshire Circus also entertained visitors and a giant bubble station proved a firm favourite with younger ones.
Local creatives also made their mark on the day – with window artist, Nikki Whiston, leading stencil sessions to create a new semi-permanent autumnal display in one of the commercial units, and ROAR taking over another space with a pop-up gallery of print, paintings, sketches and sculpture.
Council Leader Cllr Chris Read said: “It is fantastic to be here today and see families enjoying Forge Island, just as we’d hoped. This was an opportunity for people to come and explore this new destination – our biggest single investment in Rotherham for decades – and I was pleased to see so many people walking to and from the town centre over the striking new bridge.
“I’d like to thank our talented local, creative community who came together to make this special celebration such a good day. It’s a sign of what’s to come. The new cinema is already buzzing, the Travelodge Hotel is busy and people are spending time in the newly landscaped riverside and public spaces. With more restaurants and cafes set to make their home here over the coming months, this is just the start for Forge Island and a new chapter for the wider town centre.”
Foodies at the celebration event were catered for with people queuing to enjoy mouth-watering brisket and cheese loaded fries from Rotherham-based food truck, Big Smoke on Tour and hot drinks and sweet treats from Cafe2U. The town’s first branded hotel, Travelodge Rotherham Central, which opened at Forge Island in July, also welcomed dozens of diners who enjoyed its great value lunch and dinner menus in the cafe and licensed bar.
Together with Rotherham Markets, the improvements at Forge Island are a key part of Rotherham Council’s large-scale regeneration plans which are a catalyst for kickstarting new life into the heart of the borough. It is hoped that Forge Island will become a central hub for family-friendly activities year-round and the team are exploring options for more activities later this year, to complement other events across the town.
Forge Island is located next to Rotherham train and tram station and there is free parking available on site for cinemagoers and Travelodge users. It is also free to park in all other Council-owned off-street town centre car parks every weekend. Visit www.newforgeisland.co.uk/ for the latest information.