New Rotherham United stadium nearing completion

Image caption, The new 12,000-seater Rotherham United stadium is due to open on 11 July

Rotherham United's future home, the 拢17m New York Stadium, is nearing completion.

Steelwork for the 12,000-seater venue has been erected, the roof is almost on and the pitch is being drained in preparation for new turf being laid.

It occupies a central position in Rotherham town centre, on the site of the former Guest and Chrimes foundry.

Rotherham chairman Tony Stewart said the central location made it ideal for access.

"It will help the town tremendously regarding visitors," he said.

"Everything's coming together for Rotherham as a town and as a football club."

'Afford existence'

The formal opening of the New York Stadium is planned for 11 July.

The name came about because the stadium is said to be placed in an area of Rotherham which manufactured fire hydrants for New York City.

Mr Stewart said the Rotherham United board wanted the venue to be more than a football stadium.

"Most football clubs struggle to afford their own existence so we thought we would put effort into a seven day a week functionality," he said.

"We're planning banqueting, weddings, conferences, a gym, hotel and pub."

Rotherham United FC is due to leave its temporary home at Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield at the end of the season.

General manager of Don Valley, Pat Smith, said the stadium would remain busy once the football club leaves.

"There's a fantastic future for Don Valley Stadium. We have always known it was a four-year term with Rotherham United and we've been delighted to assist them," he said.

"Don Valley's diary is actually extremely full."