Doncaster

Doncaster was one of the first towns to be selected for the Renaissance Towns programme by Yorkshire Forward in 2001.

Doncaster has taken a different approach to the renaissance when compared with other towns, having formed a partnership between the local authority and the private sector—called Doncaster Development Direction.

What is the strategy for Doncaster?

Doncaster aspires to be a city, and the scale of its projects reflect this vision. The renaissance masterplan, developed with lead advisors Urban Initiatives, proposes a town that is well-connected, and where the waterfront is a centre for learning, next to housing, offices and leisure activities.

A cultural quarter is suggested, as well as new buildings to create a ‘great street’. The vision suggests that the different parts of the town should all be connected by linked public spaces which promote easy movement across the town.

How will this be realised?

The key projects identified to achieve the vision are:

• Doncaster waterfront—development of an education centre, housing, offices, leisure facilities, and a 90-berth marina.
• Civic and cultural quarter—a new performance venue, leisure facilities, new civic buildings, swimming pool, library and town-centre living.
• Great Street—a redesign of part of Doncaster’s ring road, so that it is lined with attractive buildings fronting onto the street.

How much is being invested?

Yorkshire Forward will invest approximately £21.5m in the renaissance of Doncaster.

For more information, visit Doncaster Development Direction (3D).