Doncaster to get £20m boost to create more jobs and thriving High Streets

Ministers on Thursday (27 November) confirmed a £20m package, which will help transform the city centre and drive economic growth in the region, with projects including:   

• £7m for next phase of Doncaster Market investment - building upon recent development of the Wool Market and Corn Exchange to help revitalise the indoor and outdoor market and reinforce its position as the historic heart of the city centre. This will expand the market's existing success, creating jobs and a vibrant market square where residents can come together.
   
• £5m to purchase key city centre sites – cleaning up and regenerating disused buildings and sites to provide new homes, shops and leisure spaces that bring life back to the high street.   
   
• £3m for heritage and culture - for shopfront revamps and protecting and repurposing historic buildings for community and cultural use, with the community deciding on their priorities.  
   
• £5m to improve the city centre experience - projects will be decided locally and could include new seating areas, community gardens or green spaces, including in the area surrounding Gateway One, the new digital tech hub helping people learn new skills and supporting local business to create jobs.  

Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities, Miatta Fahnbulleh, said: "It's been wonderful to visit Doncaster to see how our new money will make a real difference to people’s lives and breathe new life into this excellent city.  

"From funding for a bustling market that creates a community space at the heart of the city, to making sure heritage buildings are protected and restored for the benefit of local people – this funding will go to the heart of the community, where they need and want it most."  

During her visit to Doncaster, Minister Fahnbulleh toured the existing market which will receive £7m to ensure the offer is continually improved to maintain its status as a vibrant and attractive destination for people from across the whole city, providing more jobs and a central outdoor community space for residents to come together with family and friends.  

The funding comes alongside a further £81.5m allocated to the wider Doncaster area as part of the Pride in Place Programme, announced earlier this year.  

The programme gives residents the money and tools to shape their city based on their priorities - putting power back in the hands of the people who know their areas best. This marks another step in helping Doncaster residents shape their city's future.  

Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, said: “In March I set a new vision and strategy for Doncaster City Centre, and I’m delighted that the government has agreed to support our plan with this new funding.  

“This is a substantial amount of money that will enable us to continue improving the city centre, supporting enterprise, enhancing our high street, bringing disused buildings back into use and investing in our heritage, including Doncaster Market.  

“Doncaster is the newest city in the North of England, with incredible potential and a clear vision to breathe new life into our city centre. Over the coming days and weeks, we will be starting the next phase of engagement, so people in Doncaster can help us decide exactly how this money is spent.” 

MP for Doncaster Central Sally Jameson, said: "I am delighted that the Government has provided £20 million to transform our city centre, delivering real change for the people of Doncaster. Our city has tremendous potential, and this funding will help deliver locally identified and locally led projects—revitalising our historic market, creating a better atmosphere for retail, and regenerating our beautiful buildings and shopfronts. Doncaster Council and Mayor Ros Jones have worked tirelessly and consulted widely to identify these projects, which will make a real impact in our city."