Plans unveiled for multi-million pound redevelopment of Doncaster station

Plans have now been released regarding the £7m transformation of Doncaster train station.

The redevelopment of the station forecourt is being carried out in partnership with Virgin Trains and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE).

In February 2017, the council secured £7m of Sheffield City Region funding to transform the station forecourt.

The current plans include moving the car park to the old Royal Mail Sorting Office site, which means that the existing car parking space could be transformed and opened up into a new public space.

There will be a dedicated taxi rank, new car parking and easier drop off facilities, and better access for cyclists and secure cycle parking.

Virgin Trains, which manages the station, also plans to invest £500k to create a contemporary glass canopy on the front of the station building.

Residents, businesses and visitors to Doncaster are being asked for their views on the plans to transform the area immediately outside of the train station.

Engagement events, taking place on 14th July at Frenchgate Centre and 18th July at Doncaster train station forecourt, will allow the public to speak directly to those who are developing this project and share with them any thoughts they may have about the proposed designs.

Cllr Bill Mordue, cabinet member for business, skills and economic development, said: “The plans we have revealed for the new station forecourt are really exciting. We have worked hard to develop these with our partners, ensuring that we take into account all users of the station. It is now time to let the residents of Doncaster have their say and input.

“We need to ensure that we get this development right because for many visitors to Doncaster, the station is the first impression they get of the town centre. This needs to be a friendly and welcoming area that residents and visitors want to come back to again and again.”

Tim Hedley-Jones, major projects director for Virgin Trains on its east coast route, added: “Like Doncaster Rovers, which has recently announced Virgin Trains as its shirt sponsor for the next two years, we believe the town is going places, and we’re really pleased to work with the council to transform the forecourt of the station.

“This is an important gateway to the town, and the canopy and improvements to the forecourt could significantly enhance our customers’ experience and improve visitors’ first and last impressions of Doncaster.”

Sir Nigel Knowles, chair of the Sheffield City Region’s business leaders, the Local Enterprise Partnership, concluded: “This is a great development at a great time for the region. It’s exactly the right sort of move forward for our ‘let’s get it done’ work ethic - harnessing drive and ambition.”

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