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Plans for the creation of a major development which will transform Doncaster have taken a step forward.

Outline planning application has been granted, subject to rubber-stamping by the Government, to create Doncaster’s Civic and Cultural Quarter (CCQ).

Doncaster Council's Cabinet Member for Business and Regeneration, Councillor Jonathan Wood, said: "The scheme is progressing well and outline planning is a significant milestone to have passed.Demolition work at the site is well underway, and we are looking forward to seeing the project come to life, transforming a declining part of the town centre into a regional business and cultural hotspot.

“There’s still one final push needed before the vision can become a reality and that’s securing grant funding support from Yorkshire Forward. We are hopeful this will be determined in the next few weeks.”

 

Dan Needham, of developer Muse Developments, said: “Waterdale Civic and Cultural Quarter is a large scale regeneration project which will have a positive economic and social impact on Doncaster town centre.This is complete area regeneration and will introduce attractive, highly energy efficient buildings as well as infrastructure that improves connectivity with surrounding neighbourhoods and act as a catalyst for further regeneration.“

 

The outline permission approves the key principles of the scheme is subject to a Section 106 legal agreement being signed, which will ensure the scheme includes an element of affordable housing and transport conditions.A series of full planning applications that set out detailed designs of the buildings included in the first phase will be submitted to the planners, in the coming months.

Construction of the first phase is expected to begin next year and should be open for business in 2012.

 

The first phase of the mixed use development will include a state-of-the-art new performance venue, Doncaster’s first public square, new civic offices and Council Chamber, and a possible four-star boutique hotel.The remaining three phases of work will include a new library and art showcase area, a swimming pool and commercial offices.

 

The redevelopment of the 25 acre brownfield site will take about eight years to complete.