Doncaster sets out next steps in refreshed City Borough Strategy

As an outward looking city, Doncaster is poised to embrace change and make bold decisions. This refresh provides opportunity to review progress and ensure Team Doncaster’s actions are relevant and responsive to community needs.

Feedback from recent consultations has contributed to the priorities and actions that are highlighted in the strategy with thousands of respondents telling us what they like about their community and what they would like to see improved as well as their views on specific matters such as the city centre, Doncaster Markets, community safety, Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) ,access to healthcare and youth provision.

Mayor Ros Jones said: “Delivering real change for Doncaster means working together across organisations, services, communities and sectors. The refreshed strategy continues to be a living plan evolving with the city and its people. It brings together Team Doncaster’s shared commitment to purposeful action and measurable impact over the next five years.

“Extensive consultation has been undertaken to help determine the main themes and priorities that matter most to residents, organisations and businesses, both now and for the future. We’ve had thousands of responses to our consultations and I want to extend my thanks to everyone who has contributed and been unapologetically bold in their responses. There is so much enthusiasm across the City of Doncaster and a strong desire to work together to seize opportunities and tackle our challenges.”

Priorities and actions highlighted in the refreshed strategy will bring Doncaster’s vision to life.  New actions will be delivered, alongside continuing actions and some of these are grouped together to tackle complex issues and grasp opportunities within four ‘Big Collaborations’

Revitalising Doncaster’s city centre - the ambition is to deliver a destination where people feel proud to live, work, and visit, supported by investment in infrastructure, public spaces, and cultural assets including Doncaster Markets. This transformation will tackle long-standing challenges, strengthen economic resilience, and ensure the city centre becomes a thriving hub for business, leisure, and community life.

Renewing Doncaster’s neighbourhoods  - the focus is on creating cleaner, safer, and more inclusive communities, supported by stronger local connections and better facilities. Through a collaborative approach with residents and partners, we aim to tackle key challenges, enhance public spaces, and deliver services that promote wellbeing and fairness for all.

Equipping people with the skills they need for life and work - the goal is to create inclusive pathways that connect education, training, and employment, while celebrating culture and creativity.

Economic and Housing Growth - the aim is to bring more jobs and investment into the city and accelerate the delivery of affordable homes, with projects such as DSA, regeneration of our town and city centres and delivering new council housing for Doncaster residents.

Mayor Jones added: “We have made significant progress over the past five years. Team Doncaster, including City of Doncaster Council, have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those who live and work here. But there is still more to do.

“The council and our partners are working at speed to fully reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) and deliver a number of other projects that will reap benefits for generations to come For example, the new Gateway One development, a major £32million digital and tech hub will act as a catalyst for new jobs and the Gresley Institute will safeguard railway jobs of the future.

“As we work together to strengthen partnerships between schools, colleges, and employers to improve pathways into work, recent confirmation that Doncaster will get a second University Technical College (UTC) that will focus on healthcare and green technologies is a huge vote of confidence in the potential of the City of Doncaster. Pride in place is important to so many and through our big collaborations residents can also expect to see upgraded housing stock, enhanced local spaces and investment in community facilities.

Together we can build on an even brighter future for Doncaster. Everyone has a part to play in making Doncaster have thriving people and places and this strategy is the catalyst for that.”

The council’s corporate plan and budget that will be considered by Cabinet and Full Council in February will set out the detailed contribution that City of Doncaster Council will make to the refreshed strategy in 26/27.

The cabinet report, consultation results and refreshed strategy can be viewed via the cabinet agenda item for 14 January.