The Civic and Cultural Quarter
The Civic and Cultural Quarter is re-vitalising the Waterdale area of the town centre into a place of real interest.
The Civic and Cultural Quarter will cover about 25 per cent of the town centre in the Waterdale area. Although the current Waterdale shopping centre is not part of the scheme, as the project develops and the high quality facilities attract people and business into the area, there should be a positive impact on this shopping precinct and neighbouring parts of town.
Why redevelop the Waterdale area?
Waterdale is a well-known part of Doncaster's town centre. During its heyday it was a bustling area with people flocking to shops and the like – it was a place you had to visit while you were in town. However, it had suffered a steady decline which continued when the southern bus station closed (Frenchgate Interchange opening) and Doncaster College moved to the Hub at the Waterfront. With limited public transport entering the area and no student population on its doorstep, less people had reason to pass through.
The Civic and Cultural Quarter is transforming Waterdale reconnecting it to the town centre. The quality and content of the plans is raising the profile of this part of town to new levels. The carefully thought out layout and consistent building design is giving the area a clear identity. It is already becoming a big attraction that draws people in and encourages redevelopment in the neighbouring areas (i.e. in and around the Waterdale Shopping Centre).
What are the benefits?
The Civic and Cultural Quarter is one of a series of regeneration programmes across the town centre and our borough which are helping to transform Doncaster into a popular and exciting place to invest, live, work and visit. The scheme is an important part of the overarching Doncaster Urban Masterplan
Already delivered
A number of developments have already been delivered as part of the ambitious plans. As well as transforming the road layouts to make the area more pedestrian friendly the following schemes have been completed.
Sir Nigel Gresley Square
The square forms the centrepiece of the Civic and Cultural Quarter and helps shape a new identity for the Waterdale area and the whole borough. The square is often used for big events and festivals.
The square was officially opened on Sunday 3 June 2012 during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Civic Offices
The building houses most of the council’s services on one central site and includes a purpose built customer service centre.
The striking design uses regal colours and quality materials, some of which have an added dimension of changing colour or reflecting light. This ensures the building is instantly recognisable as the new home for council services in the town centre.
The new civic office was officially opened on Wednesday 16 January 2013.
Cast
For all the latest news and performances at Cast go to: www.castindoncaster.com
Car parking
Chamber Road Car Park - A new surface car park is available at the junction of College Road and Chequer Road. This council car park offers short and all day parking for people visiting the area.
Housing
The Gables development was the first housing scheme to be completed.
Coming soon
Some big schemes have now started. These will complement the existing developments and provide further top class attractions and reasons for people to come into and enjoy the Waterdale area.
New Central Library, Museum and Archives
We are currently building a new central library and museum. The iconic design incorporates the central frontage of the former girls school in Waterdale and will become another major draw for the area. More information is available at: new library and museum
New cinema complex
Work is underway on a new six screen cinema and five restaurant development next door to Cast. It will frame Sir Nigel Gresley Square and become another important attraction for the area and the town centre.
More information is available at: new cinema
Further information