£25million regeneration boost for Doncaster town centre

The funding will support a number of regeneration projects drawn up by the Doncaster Town Deal Board which was shaped by the views of people who live, work and visit the town centre.

Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, said: “I am delighted this funding has been confirmed as we continue our drive to make Doncaster a truly great place for all of our communities.

“It was a real Team Doncaster effort. With the help and support of the board, residents and businesses we pulled together a comprehensive investment plan with a range of projects which complement the regeneration schemes we have been delivering in Doncaster in recent years.

“The train station forecourt transformation, our Quality Streets scheme, a new look Wool Market and a world class Civic and Cultural Quarter are just a few of the schemes we have delivered which have made a significant difference. This new Towns Fund money will help us maintain the momentum.”

Tariq Shah, Chair of the Doncaster Town Deal Board, said: “The Towns Fund provides a great opportunity to regenerate a key gateway into Doncaster and catalyse investment in the town centre.

“Thanks go to the Board, all of who gave up their time and expertise; to the community whose views have shaped the bid; and to local and national government, who have worked together to achieve an aligned outcome.”

Rosie Winterton, MP for Doncaster Central and a member of the Doncaster Town Fund Board, said: “I am very proud of what we can achieve when we work together. The funding for the bid is great news for Doncaster and the development of our town centre and I look forward to seeing the plans come to life.”

The transformational proposals included in the bid were:

Railway station forecourt extension

This scheme will extend the new look square outside Doncaster railway station. Creating additional public space will further enhance the route into the town centre, providing visitors with an even better first impression of Doncaster.  One of the most important indirect benefits of this project is raised aspirations for the community of Doncaster and increased perception of the town as a great place to visit and of which to be rightly proud. The new public realm and green space will also include cycle provision and a pedestrian crossing.

Multi-use building and public realm

This project will create new mixed use space close to Doncaster railway station. A four or five storey building at this key Doncaster gateway will help create new jobs, enterprise and encourage further investment for the town centre. It is planned for this new building to be a springboard project not just for the Gateway district as a whole, but also for the greater town centre masterplan.

Heritage pot

This proposal will commission feasibility studies of identified heritage sites to define a new future for these sites. Working with key stakeholders the studies will identify how these sites can be brought back to life so people can experience and enjoy them once again.

Mayor Ros Jones, added: “These plans will transform a key gateway into Doncaster town centre and enhance Doncaster’s heritage. This will provide greater diversity of the town centre economy and offer a range of new opportunities for learning, skills, jobs, leisure and housing. They support our ambitious vision for Doncaster and will help us create a borough we can all be proud of.

“We will continue to push the Government for news about our Towns Fund bid for Stainforth which included a series of schemes which will be hugely beneficial for Stainforth residents and communities nearby.”