Five Doncaster residents give their views on plans for new hospital, research and university centres in the town

Here’s what five Doncaster residents think of the plans.

Charlie Lister – Doncaster Beauty Queen

I think that the proposals for the redevelopment of Doncaster’s waterfront that could include a hospital, medical research centre, and a university centre are brilliant.

It could help the town in so many ways, such as employment opportunities and career progression as the university will allow more people to access degrees. Furthermore, having another hospital in Doncaster which not only will be more accessible for some people of the borough but will also hopefully reduce waiting times at Doncaster Royal Infirmary. I’m glad to hear it’s not more bars and restaurants that are planned as we have the new Waterdale complex in the town centre for these things.

Caroline Brooks - Doncaster Mumbler Founder and Mum

I’d love to see that area regenerated, it would be lovely to have more going on around there.

A bit more natural footfall and the opportunity to walk around the waterside and nice lighting would be great. A university, teaching hospital and medical research centre could create a really vibrant area, with the addition of some nice bars and restaurants maybe. Student accommodation in that area would also bring a bit more of a buzz to the town. Young people in Doncaster who often look to other cities for their university education would be more likely to stay in their hometown and we’d also be attracting students from further afield too. Doncaster is the size of a city and I love seeing new things happening here.​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Vicky Prior – Freelance Writer

Doncaster Waterfront oozes potential, but right now is looking a little worse for wear. I'd love to be able to stroll along the canal, admiring the pretty boats, or holding a meeting in an impressive building. Doncaster College is a great start and their proposed expansion moves things in the right direction.

I've long been baffled by Doncaster's lack of city status. Geographically speaking, it's certainly big enough. To have a dedicated university would go a long way to helping us get city status.

I have Crohn's Disease, an inflammatory bowel disease that means regular checkups.

I live within walking distance of Doncaster Royal Infirmary, but the potential of being able to nip into town to get checked out is appealing to me.

Dean Sills – Doncaster Actor

I believe that the scheme outlined in the potential redevelopment plans for Doncaster's Waterfront is a brilliant idea.

Helping to regenerate the area with a hospital, medical centre and a research centre is a superb way to redevelop the Waterfront. This can only be good for the town plus for anyone in higher education especially medical education.

With more and more people getting the Coronavirus it shows just how important researchers are, filling gaps in knowledge, diagnosing diseases and health problems in their field. My daughter is at university too, so as a parent I welcome this idea. Developing the Waterfront in areas of education is great because it will benefit our youth and help the economy.

Frank Arrowsmith – Doncaster Resident

Redeveloping former industrial waterfronts became a trend in the 1980s. The waterways enjoyed a renaissance, with the public and private investors never to miss out on an opportunity pushed forward with some ambitious building projects with the architects in cooperating the history and heritage of the sites in to modern urban living accommodation.

With the recent announcement of proposals for the redevelopment of Doncaster’s waterfront which could include a hospital, medical research centre, and a university centre, I have a number of concerns with the initial investment; public monies and is the location suitable noting recent flooding in the area and the large increase in traffic the developments would bring in an already congested area?

Doncaster Council are quite a town-centric organisation when it comes to flagship developments, I would prefer the waterfront be left to private investment and the proposed development be build adjacent to one of our villages enhancing the local economy.