First look at potential redevelopment of Doncaster town centre

This is the first look at the proposed redevelopment of a part of Doncaster town centre described by council officers as a ‘depressed area’.
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Mayor Ros Jones and her cabinet have approved a bid to the government which could result in more than £21 million to redevelop Waterdale and Spring Gardens.

If successful, the funding will contribute to a £49m scheme coordinated by the council and backed by both the public and private sector.

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It will complete an overhaul of the area around Waterdale Shopping Centre and Duke Street, creating a modern gateway from the new-look railway station gateway to the Civic and Cultural Quarter.

Doncasters Future High Streets Bid Waterdale StreetscapeDoncasters Future High Streets Bid Waterdale Streetscape
Doncasters Future High Streets Bid Waterdale Streetscape

However, the council faces stiff competition from other local authorities bidding for cash from the government’s Future High Streets Fund.

The Doncaster plan will see the area redeveloped with residential opportunities, office space, retail, leisure schemes, new public spaces, pedestrian routes and other complementary uses.

Under the Doncaster Urban Centre Masterplan, there has been ‘significant new interest’ from investors and developers, bosses said.

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The government will make its decision on bids for the fund later in 2020.

Doncasters Future High Streets Bid New Routes From Transport Interchange To The Civic And Cultural QuarterDoncasters Future High Streets Bid New Routes From Transport Interchange To The Civic And Cultural Quarter
Doncasters Future High Streets Bid New Routes From Transport Interchange To The Civic And Cultural Quarter
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Coun Bill Mordue, Doncaster Council cabinet member for economic development, said: “Doncaster town centre has changed dramatically in the last few years as we look to diversify our offer so it’s less dependent on the traditional retail sector.

“We are focused on building a town centre we can all be proud of and one which brings more people back into our urban centre. It is top-quality, well-thought-out schemes like this Waterdale and Spring Gardens project which Doncaster needs.

“Transformational change in our town centres is at the heart of our ambition moving out of the Covid-19 crisis.

Doncasters Future High Streets Bid Arial View Of The Scheme And The Town Centre ConnectionsDoncasters Future High Streets Bid Arial View Of The Scheme And The Town Centre Connections
Doncasters Future High Streets Bid Arial View Of The Scheme And The Town Centre Connections
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“We want to be able to build on the investment already committed in the Civic and Cultural Quarter – with the Danum Gallery, Library and Museum, University Technical College and cinema and restaurants which are all due to open in the next 12 months.

“This is a strong and dynamic bid which addresses an underperforming area.

“It builds on what we have already achieved and helps take us to a new level. We are delivering on our vision for a vibrant and buzzing town centre.”