Its all happening in Doncaster! Why not be part of it?

Doncaster is changing

When it comes to economic regeneration, Doncaster is leading the way.

With increased business confidence, strong public and private sector partnerships, ambitious long term growth plans, a perfectly connected rail, road, air and sea network and a determination to deliver development and regeneration, Doncaster is quickly becoming THE ideal place to invest. 

With a thriving economy grown from a strong industrial heritage – Doncaster is now a leader in the rail industry, a major hub for logistics and home to global brands in the manufacturing and engineering sector.

On the road to growth

The opening of the prestigious ￡56 million link road from the M18, Great Yorkshire Way has provided superb access and unrivalled opportunities to invest in key sites in the south of Doncaster including iPort, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Aero Centre and Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

Great Yorkshire Way is one of the region’s most successful projects and a great example of how investing in transport infrastructure helps unlock international connectivity, new housing, tourism and commercial development. 

Officially the UK’s best small airport, Doncaster Sheffield Airport aim to be bigger! The recent launch of the vision and masterplan outlines their expected growth over the next 20 years, realising the airport’s full potential and the creation of a highly sophisticated Aerotropolis with the 1600-acre site, Aero Centre Yorkshire becoming a central hub.

Ambitious infrastructure plans are already in place to develop the site which could see 7km of new track laid from the East Coast Mainline and a railway station being built. This would be truly game-changing for the North of England, not only would it improve the airport’s ability to handle freight, it could open up its catchment area to allow 10 million people to access it within 90 minutes.

Further investment of ￡13.3million will deliver the 3km Hatfield Link Road supporting the J5/M18 Unity Project and the A630 Westmoor Link will be built courtesy of ￡10.3million of funding. 

Housing

Housing numbers have grown steadily and the town is currently embarking on the most ambitious housebuilding programme in its history, with more than 3000 new homes completed over the last three years and a further 4,600 over the next 5. Doncaster is better than the national average for housing affordability and delivering high quality alongside attractive affordable housing will help to attract and retain economically-active households and in turn support economic growth.

Built for business

There is a range of exciting development opportunities happening in the borough. From innovative residential developments to commercial opportunities and creative mixed-use sites, Doncaster is ready for investment.

One such site is Lakeside, one of the north’s most prestigious mixed use development sites and with 10,000 employees already on site, this is an expanding quality retail, residential, office and educational offer surrounding a 45 acre man-made lake.

Another is Doncaster iPort, South Yorkshire's premier logistics hub with names such as Amazon, Fellowes, Lidl and Ceva Logistics are already committed or onsite. The 6 million sq ft strategic logistics park boasts 337 acres of developable greenfield land and an impressive 35 acre rail freight terminal providing direct rail access.

The award-winning Project Unity, Junction 5 M18 is one of the largest regeneration schemes in the country. The 180 acre mixed-use site will accommodate commercial space for manufacturing, industrial and warehousing, creating exciting opportunities for investors.

Looking forward to the future

The launch of the Urban Centre Masterplan is supporting the vision to revitalise and create a vibrant and successful town centre, which includes a redevelopment of the historic Wool Market, improvements to the railway station forecourt and a new Culture and Learning Centre incorporating a central library, museum and art gallery and cinema complex.

Investing in schemes such as Lakeside Triangle, National College for High Speed Rail, the PGA Golf development and a University Technical College (UTC), it certainly adds to the strong offer available to business investors.

Doncaster is working hard to unlock sites and increase the supply of good quality land for development and investment. In addition to being a prime location for industrial occupiers, Doncaster is an affordable destination for service industries, with a range of land and premises available at an extremely competitive rate.

A new film and television studio is set to be built on the former High Melton campus of Doncaster College. This scheme is projected to create around 220 direct new jobs and potentially thousands more in the supply chain and will do much to diversify Doncaster’s economy by attracting overseas investment and students as well as catalyse growth within the creative and digital sector.

Doncaster is ready 

The Council’s vision, which builds on the work already under way, is underpinned by a commitment to creating sustained economic growth and high quality jobs. It will continue to use its land and assets to create economic growth and good quality jobs.

A ￡349 million investment over the next four years will facilitate the delivery of a number of major initiatives, stimulate economic growth and job creation as well as improve housing, roads, schools and leisure facilities.

This is a hugely exciting time for a town on the verge of great things, and we look forward to forging new partnerships. We are keen to meet potential developers and investors who are interested in sharing in our success. We welcome conversations with potential joint venture partners, investors and development partners.   

Interested in being part of Destination Doncaster?

Call 01302 735 555 or visit www.wearedoncaster.co.uk

* article composed by Heather Hamilton