Businesses hope plan will bring ‘real buzz’ to city centre
Doncaster Council has set out a 25-year vision for the city centre, including high-grade offices and canal-side apartments. Local business leaders welcome the ambition but say practical steps to improve safety and attract people are needed now, while larger investments take shape.
Dan Fell of Doncaster Chamber of Commerce says persistent anti-social behaviour can make evening visits feel uncomfortable, and argues that events and activities could give people more reason to visit. More than 8,000 residents took part in a 2024 consultation, highlighting safety, cleanliness, empty shops and the area’s appearance. The council says 1,333 breaches of a public space protection order have been enforced against since November 2023; Fell also points to Gateway One and a proposed Gateway Two by the railway station as potential catalysts for new businesses and activity.
- Doncaster’s 25-year city-centre vision includes offices and canal-side homes.
- Businesses want quicker action on safety and more events.
- A consultation of over 8,000 residents highlighted several local concerns.
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Doncaster Council has created a long-term vision to regenerate the city centre over the next 25 years. The plan involves building new offices and apartment blocks near the canal, with the aim of making the area more attractive and bustling.
Residents and businesses recognise the need for improvement. A consultation involving more than 8,000 people in 2024 highlighted serious concerns about safety, cleanliness, the number of empty shops, and the area's overall appearance. Anti-social behaviour has been a particular problem, making some people uncomfortable visiting in the evenings.
Local business leaders welcome the ambition of the council's long-term plan, but argue that immediate action is also necessary. Dan Fell, of Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, suggests that events, activities and new developments like a proposed new gateway building near the railway station could help draw visitors now whilst the larger investments take shape.