Chamber recognises ambitious plan for Doncaster city centre

Doncaster Chamber has welcomed the publication of the city's refreshed Urban Centre Masterplan, describing it as an ambitious vision, while warning that short-term action is also needed to build confidence in the city centre. 

The Masterplan sets out proposals for new homes, green spaces, offices and mixed-use developments across several key locations, including the Waterfront, Minster Canalside, Marketplace and Hall Gate, the Retail Core, City Gateway and the Civic and Cultural Quarter. 

The Chamber welcomes the fact that the plan recognises how fundamentally city centres have changed. Rather than relying on a return to the retail-led high streets of the past, it seeks to create a more diverse city centre in which people live, work, learn, visit and spend their leisure time. 

Dan Fell, Chief Executive of Doncaster Chamber, said: 

"There is much to welcome in this Masterplan. It is ambitious, comprehensive and, importantly, is not based on magical thinking about the halcyon days of a retail-dominated high street. Successful city centres must now provide a much broader mix of housing, employment, culture, leisure, hospitality, education and public space. 

The Chamber has also recognised the substantial capital investment made in recent years, including the development of the Civic and Cultural Quarter, improvements to public spaces and the restoration of the Corn Exchange. These interventions have created important assets and demonstrate a serious commitment to the future of the city centre. 

However, the Chamber believes it is equally important to be candid about the impact achieved so far. 

Dan continued: 

"Despite considerable investment and the best intentions of all involved, the interventions flowing from Doncaster's previous Masterplan have, regrettably, been less than the sum of their parts. Individual projects have delivered benefits, but – due to market forces and deep societal challenges – they have not yet combined to create a city centre that consistently feels vibrant, safe and on an upward trajectory.  Therefore, to avoid a credibility gap between people’s current experience and the compelling new masterplan, it is imperative that emphasis is placed on achieving early wins and selling the vision to the public and businesses alike.” 

Doncaster Chamber is represented on the City Centre Board and leads the Mayor's Business Advisory Group. Through these and other forums, the Chamber will encourage Doncaster Council to continually engage with local businesses to understand their priorities for the city centre. 

Jade Dyer, Chief Operating Officer of Doncaster Chamber, added: 

"We have good, constructive relationships with both the Council and the City's businesses, and we see it as our job to champion those businesses and make sure their voices are heard when decisions are being made. As the Masterplan moves from vision to delivery, we would urge the Council to continue to take businesses on the journey with them, keeping them informed, involving them early and being open about progress as well as challenges. When businesses feel listened to and kept in the loop, they become great ambassadors for the city, and that is exactly what Doncaster needs as it builds confidence in the city centre."