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Full steam ahead for Doncaster’s Civic and Cultural Quarter regeneration project

Doncaster’s economy is to receive a welcome boost with confirmation from Doncaster Council that it’s full steam ahead for the town’s Civic and Cultural Quarter (CCQ) project.

Development partner Muse Developments will start work later this month on the first phase when the building of the new civic offices and one-stop shop for customer services gets underway.  The construction of Doncaster’s exciting new performance venue, first public square and other phase one elements will start in 2011.

Councillor Jonathan Wood, Cabinet Member for Business and Regeneration, said: “While many developments in other parts of the country have failed to materialise, this major regeneration programme is right on track.

“The Civic and Cultural Quarter has an important role to play in Doncaster’s economic future. The scheme will create hundreds of jobs and enhance Doncaster’s reputation and image as a town on the up. This should encourage further investment in the town centre and across the borough.”

Dan Needham, Regional Director at Muse, said: “We’re delighted that the scheme is now coming to fruition. The first phase of development will be the catalyst for the regeneration of the Waterdale area of Doncaster town centre. The new construction of the new Civic Offices will safeguard a significant number of construction jobs and when complete the highly energy efficient building will save the Council millions of pounds in running costs over future years.”

The council’s customer facing services operating out of various town centre locations will be brought under one roof providing local residents with one dedicated place for all of their council related enquiries and services. The plans are part of how the council will operate and deliver front line services in the future following the government’s budget cuts.

Councillor Cynthia Ransome, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Regulatory/Customer Services said: “Consolidating services into one purpose-built office will make it easier for residents to do business with the council. This will create a new look council where we deliver services in a modern and effective way.”

Councillor Wood said: “The council spends a substantial amount running and maintaining buildings that are in decline. This money will be diverted from these buildings and help pay for new civic offices which with other first phase elements like the new performance venue and public square will draw people back into Waterdale and regenerate the area.

“Moving many town centre based staff and core council services into the new building will also free up sites that can be redeveloped. This is an important contribution to a scheme that brings about £200million of private sector investment into the town.”

The project is supported financially by the European Union, as part of the European Regional Development Fund’s support for the region’s economic development through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme.

Further information on the CCQ and one-stop shop is available online at: www.doncaster.gov.uk/ccq