Doncaster's 25-Year City Centre Masterplan: A Vision for the Future

The City of Doncaster Council has approved a transformative 25-year masterplan for Doncaster's city centre. This comprehensive strategy, set for completion by the end of 2024, aims to reshape the city centre up to 2050.

It integrates existing and potential funding opportunities, including the Long-Term Plan for Towns (LTPT) funding and the Levelling Up Partnership (LUP) funding, to address modern challenges and leverage new opportunities.

Context and Necessity

Since 2016, Doncaster's city centre has been guided by the Urban Centre Masterplan. However, evolving circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic, national retail trends, and Doncaster's new status as a city necessitate a fresh approach. The new masterplan is designed to address these issues and capitalize on Doncaster’s city status to foster a thriving urban environment.

Community Engagement: The Big City Conversation

Mayor Ros Jones emphasized the importance of community input in shaping the future of the city centre. The "Big City Conversation," a consultation survey, engaged over 8,000 residents and businesses to gather their views on the city centre’s future. This extensive feedback forms the foundation of the new masterplan.

Key Findings from the Big City Conversation

• Primary Reasons for Visiting: Shopping (61%) and food/drink (47%) were the top reasons for visiting the city centre, followed by transport interchange (36%), leisure and culture (33%), and the market (30%).
• Importance of Retail: 65% of respondents highlighted the quality and variety of shopping as extremely important.
• Safety Concerns: Safety and security emerged as the biggest concern. While 51% of respondents felt somewhat or very unsafe in the city centre, regular visitors felt significantly safer, indicating a perception gap influenced by frequency of visits.

Addressing Safety and Security

To tackle safety concerns, the council has already allocated £1 million to improve security measures in advance of LTPT funding. Collaborations with South Yorkshire Police and other partners are set to increase patrol presence and enhance enforcement through the city centre

Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). This order, renewed until November 2026, empowers authorities to address issues such as begging, loitering, drug-taking, and public alcohol consumption.

Enhanced Policing Efforts

Doncaster District Commander Chief Superintendent Pete Thorp detailed the increased police presence and patrols in the city centre. The police are focusing on reducing retail crime and enhancing safety through visible patrols and community engagement, guided by insights from the Big City Conversation.

Economic and Cultural Revitalization

The new masterplan envisions a vibrant city centre that attracts residents and visitors alike. It prioritizes:

• Diverse Retail and Dining: Enhancing the quality and variety of shopping and dining options to meet community expectations and attract visitors.
• Cultural and Leisure Activities: Promoting leisure and cultural activities to create a dynamic urban environment.
• Improved Infrastructure: Upgrading infrastructure, including transport interchanges, to ensure accessibility and convenience.

Long-Term Strategic Goals

The masterplan aims to create a thriving city centre that benefits the entire city and its principal town centres. By addressing current challenges and leveraging funding opportunities, Doncaster's city centre will be positioned as a central hub for economic and cultural activities, driving the city's growth and development.

Ongoing Community Involvement

The Big City Conversation will continue as an ongoing dialogue with residents and businesses, ensuring the masterplan evolves with community needs and preferences. Continuous feedback will be sought throughout the planning and implementation stages.

Final Notes

Doncaster’s 25-year masterplan represents a bold vision for the city centre, addressing safety concerns, enhancing retail and cultural offerings, and leveraging strategic funding opportunities.

This forward-looking approach aims to create a vibrant, safe, and thriving urban core that reflects the aspirations of its residents and positions Doncaster for future success.