Doncaster to appoint developer for £200m regen scheme
The council is set to approve the procurement of a developer to deliver a major regeneration of Waterdale and the Colonnades, two underperforming city centre sites.
The scheme will involve masterplanning, refurbishment, and new residential and commercial construction, linking the Civic and Cultural Quarter with the City Gateway at the rail station.
The project will follow a staged gateway approach, starting with Gateway 1 in July 2026, covering surveys, pre-planning engagement, and design work.
Gateway 2 will cover full planning submissions, with Gateway 3 preparing contracts for construction. Completion is targeted for February 2030.
Waterdale comprises the former Queensgate area, a former cinema, a three-storey office block, 13 commercial units, 16 residential flats, and an undercroft car park.
The adjacent Colonnades site, already owned by the council, is also included in the scheme. Together, the sites are expected to deliver significant new floorspace, boosting footfall and modernising the city centre.
Funding for the Gateway 1 stage will come from City Regeneration Programme allocations, with the developer expected to secure private sector construction funding and any gap financing required.
The council will not retain ownership once the scheme is complete; the developer’s investment fund will manage the assets.
Council leaders describe the project as ‘strategically vital’, addressing long-standing vacancy and dereliction, improving access and appearance, and strengthening Doncaster’s city centre offer following its city status in 2022.
The cabinet meeting will take place on Wednesday, with the recommendation that the council approves taking the scheme forward.
What an absolute waste of money. The hospital needs some serious attention, or a new one building.
By phill benson
Doncaster was once a vibrant town. Due to the Mining Strike, Expenses scandal, Doncaster Market disappearing, there is much needed investment. However, I believe it is not always directed in the right direction. I think a reduction in rents would encourage retailers to come back to the High Street. Also the market was a good attraction. I agree with another comment, DRI requires a car park. I don’t come into Doncaster now as I see fights, drugs, and won’t walk on a night. There should be investment into a homeless shelter in the centre, ie county court offices providing a meal and overnight stay.
By Maureen Paton
Another massive waste of money, Open the airport and just flatten this area for a new market as nobody comes to the town for shopping any more because the existing market has been ruined by constant greed from the council.
By David Gledhill