"New era" promised as 14 week library demolition and Waterdale revamp begins

Works are scheduled to last for 14 weeks and pedestrians are being warned of street closures while the work takes place.

The old library closed its doors for the final time in November 2020, having been open for 51 years, making way for the new Danum Gallery, Library and Museum.

Mayor Jones said: “This is the beginning of a new era for the Waterdale area, with a new space bringing with it a tidier, greener and fresher look which we believe will help attract both further investment and help local businesses in the nearby area.

“The Central Library was open for over 50 years in our city and is a historic building for many of our residents, but we are committed to regenerating and improving our city centre.

"With the new Danum Gallery, Library and Museum now firmly in place, we can commence the next phase of regenerative work in the Waterdale area to complement our Civic and Cultural Quarter.”

The work to regenerate the area, funded as part of the National Levelling Up Fund scheme, is expected to last until the end of September, with the demolition of the library expected to last approximately 14 weeks.

Traffic diversions will be updated regularly via the council website and where necessary, via social media.

Pedestrian access through the Waterdale area will also be restricted during the work, with diversions in place past Ward Brothers but access to businesses within the area is still available with all businesses remaining open.

For further information on traffic diversions – visit the current roadworks, planned roadworks and road closures section of the City of Doncaster Council website.

The library was open for 51 years before closing in November 2020 to allow staff to transfer books over to the new library on the corner of Chequer Road and Waterdale.

It dated from 1969 and was opened exactly 100 years to the day from the town’s first library.

The building faces Cast, the Civic Offices and the Savoy Cinema in Sir Nigel Gresley Square, which was created after the demolition of the former Doncaster College site.