Rotherham Travel Guide, United Kingdom

Rotherham, UK - Overview: The borough that keeps improving

Rotherham is amongst the up and coming places in UK. It has transformed considerably over the previous 2 decades and has played a major role in regeneration of South Yorkshire. This Borough has an industrial heritage, which is worth being proud of. However, it is only now that they are establishing themselves as a growing economy.

Half of Rotterham is mainly rural. Its rural area is characterized by rolling countryside and attractive villages. Most of Rotterham’s population (252,000) is present in its urban areas. It has a vibrant blend of different communities and cultures in the urban region. Minority ethnic group makes up almost 5.0% of their overall population.

The borough has an excellent transport link to most regions of the nation. It is served by M1 & M18 motorways, which is supported by a widespread network of bus and rail services. What you’ll find even more astonishing is that there are 5 airports within 50-mile radius. Again, it is having another addition in the form of Robin Hood airport, which has recently opened near Doncaster.

Previously, Rotterham was a small market town. However with time, it has developed considerably into one of the major industrial centers based primarily on coal & steel. Its population grew considerably from about 17,000 (1801) to approximately 120,000 (1901).

Most traditional industries, which were a part of the Nineteenth & Twentieth Century, vanished. However, you can still find a steelwork in Aldwarke and a coalmine in Maltby. Rotterham went through a period of decline in its economy. However, situation has come under control in recent years. In fact, it has grown rapidly and is evident with a 75% increase in employment rate of 2004 in comparison to 67% of 1998. Employment growth during the period was around 29% with the highest increase seen in Yorkshire & Humber. Figures of unemployment rate being below the national average are what we should consider commendable. The Council achieved Beacon status to ‘Remove Barriers to Work’ and ‘Foster Business Growth’.

Rotherham is currently amongst the most prosperous Boroughs across the nation. It has inward investments running at a considerable high level. In between 1995 - 2000, £200 millions were invested, which led to creation of over 10,000 new jobs. Most of these jobs have been available in Light Engineering, Information Technology and Finance sectors. Numerous leading international organizations have made this town their home.

The continuous growth in each sector along with the presence of several tourists destinations and shopping malls have attracted people from all across the globe to visit the place.