Major Milestone Reached for Manvers White Water Course

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The White Water Course project at Manvers Lake, Rotherham has reached a significant new milestone, with full planning permission now formally submitted to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.

Following the successful completion of a full suite of pre-planning surveys commissioned towards the end of last year, the Trust has submitted its planning application, marking a major step forward in bringing the landmark project closer to reality.

Mark Benton, Trustee of Manvers Lake & Dearne Valley Trust said:

“Submitting the planning application is a hugely important step for the White Water Course project and reflects a great deal of work by our partners over the past year. This project has the potential to deliver lasting sporting, economic and community benefits for Rotherham and the wider region and we are excited to see it move into the next phase.”

While the planning process is under way, the Trust continues to focus on securing the £14 million capital investment required to deliver the White Water Course. Fundraising efforts are being intensified, with active engagement ongoing with partners and funding bodies to ensure the project is ready to progress at pace once planning approval is granted.

In December, representatives from the Trust and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue met with the Leader of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Councillor Chris Read, to outline the Trust’s wider aims and objectives, current activities, and the significant benefits the project is expected to deliver.  

In a letter to the Trust following the meeting Cllr Read stated that:

‘The Council recognises the benefits of the Manvers White Water project; an international standard flexible paddle sport competition, training and recreational white-water course, which will double up as a swift water rescue emergency services training facility at Manvers Lake. Such a facility would be beneficial both for training emergency responders and as a visitor attraction for Rotherham and South Yorkshire.’

Chris Kirby, Chief Fire Officer from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said:

“We are pleased to support the White Water Course project and to be working alongside the Trust as it progresses. The development presents opportunities for enhanced training, partnership working and wider community benefit, and we look forward to seeing the project move forward.”

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The project continues to be supported by a Task and Finish Group, chaired by former Sports Minister Richard Caborn, which meets on a monthly basis. The group remains focused on driving progress, identifying appropriate funding opportunities, and maintaining momentum during this critical phase of development.

With planning submitted, strong political support, and continued collaboration with partners, the White Water Course project is moving steadily closer to becoming a reality.