From the Editor: Building a city centre fit for the future
The new masterplan offers an opportunity to build on a decade of regeneration.
Hello!
There has been some exciting news for Doncaster this week with the unveiling of a refreshed masterplan for the city centre.
The ambition is to build on the progress made since the original masterplan was launched back in 2016.
In the decade since, parts of the city centre have been transformed, with many major regeneration projects delivered since the original 2016 plan.
Recent years have seen the construction of the new Danum Gallery, Library and Museum, the opening of Doncaster UTC, as well as the significant renovation of the Wool Market.
The delivery of this and other regeneration projects as part of the 2016 plan should be applauded, but the bigger question is whether that investment has yet translated into the wider economic benefits Doncaster needs.
Success should be measured by how this regeneration diversifies the city-centre economy, attracts new businesses and jobs and improves Doncaster’s image and visitor economy.
Credit where it’s due, the updated plan announced this week acknowledges there is much work still to be done to achieve these very ambitious goals.
People’s habits and lifestyles are changing rapidly and this is reflected on high streets up and down the country.
A revived, vibrant and diverse city centre in Doncaster is something we should all get behind. We all have a stake in its success.
Today (Thursday 24th September) a drop-in session is being held at the Corn Exchange between 3.30pm and 7pm. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the project and ask questions of those tasked with delivering it.
It is also a great chance for people to have their voice heard and share thoughts and ideas on the future of the city centre.
For our part, over the coming weeks, months and years, the Free Press will bring you all the latest on these ambitious plans.
We will be asking the difficult questions, tracking progress, explaining what it all means for local people and scrutinising the impacts of the scheme.
In the meantime, I would love to hear your views on the masterplan. As always you can email me at [email protected]