Opening date set for £7.5 million revamp of Doncaster town centre Wool Market

Council bosses are confident the market will be complete and fully operational for a soft launch on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 before the big opening later that weekend.

The market overhaul has been a key project in the council's development masterplan and is expected to cost around 7.6 million.

The opening will be attended by Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones and South Yorkshire metro mayor Dan Jarvis.

Around £3 million has come from the Sheffield City Region.

Document's seen by councillors outline a new bus route direct to the market and the extension of the current car park.

The main work includes the conversion of the existing Grade II listed Wool Market to provide a '˜multifunction space, accommodating new food outlets, retail units and events space' which will '˜contribute directly to the much needed diversification' of Doncaster's retail and leisure offer.

Plans include a complete redesign of the current market car park to provide additional spaces and coach drop off facility.

As part of the ongoing Quality Streets project, there will be changes to Silver Street which will impact the 15 bus service.

Bosses said this will result in removing bus stops on Silver Street with a new stop being located on Markets Road providing a direct bus service from the market to the transport interchange.

Drew Oxley, head of trading services said: 'The citizens of Doncaster will benefit from a full and modern market offer that will include a stage area to showcase demonstrations and events.

'The investment in the Wool Market, market car park and Corn Exchange will future proof the buildings and estate for the enjoyment of future generations.'

The bidding process to seek tender of the running of the market is already underway.

Cabinet members on Doncaster Council will have the final say on the successful bidder in January 2019.

This is just one of numerous schemes that is currently in the pipeline to transform Doncaster's town centre.

Over the next two years, the council is overlooking the delivery of a new library and museum, cinema and restaurants, street improvements to Hall Gate and Silver Street and a revamp of the rail station forecourt area.

Councillors on the regeneration & housing overview and scrutiny panel will hear an update on the plans at a meeting next Monday.