Work has started to deliver a new retail area at Harworth’s Waverley development, providing a focal point for the new community that is being created.

Olive Lane will feature convenience retail opportunities, cafes, and restaurants. The work will also include landscaping and the creation of seating to form a modern pedestrian high street scene in the area.

A groundbreaking event took place at the site in December 2023, attended by representatives of Harworth, Lindum Group, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, the Waverley Community Council, and Forge New Homes, who are also building new homes at the Olive Lane scheme.

They were joined by teams who will be involved in the delivery of the project, including architects CODA, landscape architects PWP Design, civil engineer BE Design, planning consultant Stantec, and project/cost manager Edge.

Ed Catchpole, Regional Director – Yorkshire & Central, at Harworth Group plc said: “We are very excited to be starting work on Olive Lane. We know that many in the local area are excited about this part of Waverley being created, and we look forward to it being a place for those living and working here to come together and shop, eat and drink, or meet with friends.”

Lindum will build 11 units in total, as well as a new road and car park. The Waverley residential neighbourhood will connect with the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), where Lindum has previously handed over three industrial units with one currently under construction.

Following an agreement with NHS England and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Lindum will also begin construction of the site’s £3m two-storey medical centre in February.

James Nellist, Lindum York Managing Director, said: “Over recent years we have been delighted to work closely with Harworth on their Advanced Manufacturing Park at Waverley, delivering several high specification industrial spaces. We are excited on this occasion to be able to support Harworth with the new creation of the new Medical Centre and Olive Lane Retail development which will provide the perfect link between the AMP employment spaces and the wider housing developments.

“We are looking forward to watching this new community thrive and make full use of the new shops, restaurants, and cafes that will be on offer.”

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Olive Lane will become a new social hub for Waverley residents and workers at the AMP further enhancing the amenities already available on site, which include 310 acres of green space, a school, family pub, community garden and learn-to-ride cycle track.

Completion of the high street element of the scheme, including the medical centre, is anticipated by the end of 2024, after which fit-out works for the retail and leisure units will begin.