Bid for Government cash to redevelop 'depressed area' of Doncaster town centre

Bosses at Doncaster Council have drawn up an application for £21 million to redevelop parts of Waterdale, Spring Gardens and potentially St James’ Baths as part of the Government’s Future High Street Fund.

The council will also start negotiations with interested parties to identify options for the redevelopment of Copley House and the old library site.

The application for funds represents 43 per cent of the total cost of around £49 million for the planned works.

Cabinet members on Doncaster Council are expected to rubber-stamp the decision next week before the application deadline of July 31.

Bosses have factored in the potential economic impact of Covid-19 but said they are encouraged by research which suggests a ‘upturn’ in the economy from 2021.

Private sector contributors have indicated to the council their investment plans are still on track.

Data comparing town centre unit type shows Doncaster has much more retail space than the national average but lags behind on the amount of quality office space and office space in general.

The council’s own analysis, which calls Waterdale a ‘depressed area’, shows many retail businesses have suffered from low footfall due to a lack of people working in the town centre.

This has led to many empty units on the periphery which are no longer required for retail use.

Scott Cardwell, assistant director, for the economy and environment at DMBC, said: “Doncaster Town Centre is entering a new and extremely exciting era of positive change and growth. However, an enormous change has taken place in retail.

“The traditional pattern of making purchases in retail stores has been profoundly disrupted by the growth of online shopping. Town centres need urgently to transform in a way that drives growth, improves experience and ensures future sustainability.

“To help meet these challenges, the Council is seeking £21.06m from the Government’s FHSF to invest in the repurposing of Waterdale, Spring Gardens and potentially the site of St James’ Baths in conjunction with the private sector.

“Already at the draft full business case stage, the deadline for submission of the final full business case is July 31, 2020.”