Unity Yorkshire is bringing something big to Doncaster. The development provides exciting opportunities for commercial and industrial business, residential, retail and leisure developments.
This article was authored by Tanya Gibson for yorkshire-list.com and published under the title 'One of the Largest Regeneration Projects in the UK is Happening in Yorkshire', on See One of the UK's Largest Regeneration Projects | Yorkshire-List. It is reproduced above in accordance with section 30(2) of the Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988.
Image Credit: Waystone & Hargreaves Land
An award-winning development with huge residential and commercial opportunities is underway in South Yorkshire.
As one of the biggest infrastructure and regeneration projects happening in the country, Unity Yorkshire aims to create a new destination to live, work and play. It will deliver a mixed-use development spanning over a whopping 250 hectares (618 acres) of land.
Set in a prime strategic location adjacent to Junction 5 of the M18, Unity Yorkshire will feature six prominent zones. These include Connect, Link, Town, Park, Life and Living.
When complete, the project will deliver over 3,000 new homes. It will also help to bolster economic activity on the east side of the district, with more than 2 million square feet of employment floor space, creating 7,000 new jobs in the process.
“The investment taking place at Unity Yorkshire marks a transformative time for the local community, bringing positive regeneration that will create thousands of new jobs and homes, strengthen local business, and foster a renewed sense of place and pride,” said Councillor Glyn Jones, Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Business. “Beyond the economic benefits, it’s about building a community where people want to live, work and thrive together.”
He added: “By attracting new industries and supporting existing businesses, we are laying the foundation for long-term prosperity, creating opportunities that will benefit generations to come, particularly across the Stainforth, Dunscroft and Hatfield area.”
Image Credit: Waystone & Hargreaves Land
Work has already been completed on the new Unity Way link road, which opened back in December 2020. This 1.8-mile route supports travel connections, spanning from Junction 5 of the M18 to the existing residential settlements of Hatfield and Stainforth. It opens up travel between the zones and improves motorway access for residents.
This was an integral part of the development, as Stuart McLoughlin, Director of Waystone Hargreaves Land LLP and Managing Director of Waystone, told us.
“In 2003, Waystone were invited to collaborate on the regeneration of the Hatfield Colliery whilst at the same time Doncaster Council were seeking to establish a strategic development site in the area,” he said. “Working together with the support of South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Homes England and local MPs, Waystone eventually secured a planning consent for the critical road infrastructure and extensive mixed-use development.
Image Credit: Waystone & Hargreaves Land
“To deliver the project, Waystone formed a Joint Venture with Hargreaves Land in 2018 and key to the development was the construction of the link road from Junction 5 of the M18. The road opened in 2020 and Unity was born.”
Amongst a range of residential offerings, Unity will provide a school, transport hub, offline marina and a vibrant town centre. Plus, over 80 hectares (200 acres) have been dedicated to open space.
A variety of exciting commercial opportunities come in the form of over 85 hectares (210 acres) across the Link, Connect and Park zones. 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. Additionally, planning permission has been submitted for a live store and regional training centre.
Image Credit: Waystone & Hargreaves Land
Doncaster 191, a 191,000 square-foot industrial/distribution unit, has been constructed and is available for sale/let. Unity 375, a 375,000 square foot industrial and logistics unit with full planning permission, is also on the market through a pre-let or freehold design and build structure.
Further activity at Unity includes a McDonald’s and Starbucks, which are due to open later this year following the granting of planning permission in December 2024. Unity Park is set to open up in 2025 with the delivery of a new primary estate road, providing the necessary infrastructure for future development.
The development, sitting within the South Yorkshire Investment Zone, is supported by City of Doncaster Council, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Homes England. Since being granted planning permission back in April 2017, it has progressed at an impressive pace. When finished, it will completely transform the area into a thriving new community, built on the principle of sustainability and delivering a 15-minute neighbourhood.
Image Credit: Waystone & Hargreaves Land
Alex Dochery, Interim Head of Investment, Employment and Enterprise for Business Doncaster told us: “Business Doncaster is working closely with the developers Waystone and Hargreaves Land to deliver this substantial development that is already delivering major economic growth for Doncaster and the wider region.
“With exciting opportunities across commercial, residential, retail and leisure, we would encourage interested parties to contact us here at Business Doncaster to find out how we could support your prospective investment.”
Unity Yorkshire is a Joint Venture partnership between Waystone and Hargreaves Land in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
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