Redevelopment of South Yorkshire railway station reaches second phase
Work on the second phase of redevelopment at Doncaster Railway Station is underway.
The improvements, developed by Doncaster Council and London North Eastern Railway (LNER), will see the installation of a new glass canopy which will provide a covered walkway to the front of the station and eventually on to the new taxi rank and new car park on West Street.
Work has begun on creating the canopy on front of the station building.
The existing forecourt in front of the station will also be transformed into a pedestrian area with landscaping and water features.
As part of the plans to enhance the station, the former Post Office building was demolished last year to make room for a new station car park. In addition, a new access road is to be built which will allow drop off at the station as well as a new station taxi rank.
The plans have been specifically designed to open up Doncaster’s town centre to more visitors and businesses. The whole scheme is scheduled to be complete in spring 2020.
The council-led redevelopment of the station forecourt is being carried out in partnership with LNER and the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE). The scheme will help attract new investment and jobs into Doncaster and the wider region and is benefiting from £7.5m of Sheffield City Region funding.
Tim Hedley-Jones, Major Projects Director at LNER, said: “Doncaster is a busy station so we’re really pleased to be working with the council to improve the experience of those travelling to the area via train. Significant progress has already been made and we’re currently on track to complete the canopy in spring 2019.”
Cllr Bill Mordue, Cabinet Member for Business, Skills and Economic Development, said:
“The transformation of the train station is really starting to ramp up as we bring our exciting plans to life.
“The new canopy is one part of the City Gateway scheme which will create an amazing first impression of Doncaster when people arrive at our train station. Turning the existing forecourt into an attractive new public space will make such a difference and become a superb new route into the town centre. We are committed to creating a thriving Doncaster.”
Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, added: “It is great to see work start at Doncaster train station to transform it into an attractive and welcoming area for all those visiting, living in and working in our town centre.
“I made a commitment to support Doncaster’s Urban Centre Masterplan projects, and the redevelopment of the train station is a great example of how the town centre is being improved.
“I’m delighted that this project has benefited from £7.5m of Sheffield City Region LEP money, which has come from the Local Growth Fund (LGF). LGF funding allows LEPs to drive forward economic growth across the country, helping to build places that work for everyone.”
