Major Development creates jobs and growth for Doncaster

by Heather Hamilton

Image credit: Business Doncaster

Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster and Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Business Councillor Glyn Jones recently visited one of Doncaster’s largest regeneration projects Unity Yorkshire to see the progress already made at this award-winning development.

Meeting the team from developers Waystone Limited and Hargreaves Land was a great opportunity to discuss this exciting scheme that is set to create new jobs, investment, and quality new homes in Doncaster.

Unity Yorkshire is one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK, set in a prime strategic location at the former Hatfield colliery site adjacent to Junction 5, M18, creating a new destination to live, work and play. It will deliver a mixed-use development spanning over 250 hectares (618 acres) of land.

The development features six prominent zones including Connect, Link, Town, Park, Life and Living. When complete, the project will deliver over 3,000 new homes and create 7,000 new jobs across more than 2 million sq. ft of employment floor space.

Image credit: Business Doncaster

Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster said “Unity Yorkshire will create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen our local economy – bringing positive regeneration and ensuring that Doncaster thrives for generations to come. I am extremely proud to support this development and the opportunities it brings for all our residents”.

Much of the work already completed is positioned around the all-important new link road, Unity Way. This 1.8-mile route takes advantage of Doncaster’s outstanding connectivity, supporting travel connections from Junction 5, M18 to the surrounding residential communities of Hatfield, Dunscroft and Stainforth.

Image credit: Business Doncaster

Helen McLoughlin, Development Director at Waystone Limited said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support Mayor Ros Jones and all the teams at Doncaster Council and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority have provided in bringing this development to life. The ongoing commitment to growth and innovation has made it possible for us to invest in this community, create jobs, and build a brighter future together.”

A sale has already been completed to TJ Morris (owner of Home Bargains) for an 800,000 square foot distribution centre, with work due to commence on site in spring 2025. Further activity also includes a McDonald’s and Starbucks, due to open later this year following recent planning permission.

Image credit: Business Doncaster

The development sits within the South Yorkshire Investment Zone and will consist of commercial, residential, a new school, retail and leisure, a transport hub, offline marina, and a vibrant town centre with over 80 hectares (200 acres) dedicated to open space once complete. The scheme is supported by City of Doncaster Council, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Homes England.

Opportunities already available to occupy include:

Doncaster 191: 191,000 sq. ft industrial/distribution unit available for sale/let.
Eclipse Doncaster: 406,183 sq. ft distribution/logistics space available to let.
Unity 375: 375,000 sq. ft industrial/logistics unit available pre-let or freehold design and build structure.

Alex Dochery, Interim Head of Investment, Employment and Enterprise at Business Doncaster said: “Unity Yorkshire is a development of pan-regional importance that is delivering major growth opportunities for Doncaster and the wider region. Doncaster has a strong track record in attracting major inward investment due to our central location at the heart of the UK’s transport network, thriving industry base, plentiful development opportunities, skilled workforce, and strong quality of place offer. The Unity Yorkshire development is a great example of the supportive role that City of Doncaster Council and Business Doncaster plays in enabling development. We encourage interested parties to contact Business Doncaster to find out how we could support your prospective investment.”

For further information please contact Alex Dochery on 01302 736528. Email: alex.dochery@doncaster.gov.uk

Visit: Unity Yorkshire: Major regeneration and infrastructure project