Doncaster’s economy continues to go from strength to strength as work on the first phase of the town’s £300million Civic and Cultural Quarter (CCQ) gathers pace.
This major regeneration project is being delivered by Doncaster Council and development partner Muse Developments and it has already begun to transform the skyline in the Waterdale area of Doncaster’s town centre.
The first phase includes the construction of new civic offices, a much awaited new performance venue and a new civic square. New town centre housing, a refurbished multi-storey car park and new road layouts are also included in the ambitious plans.
Wates Construction is responsible for the construction of the civic offices, which will become a new headquarters for the Council. Overlooking the new public square, the new offices are on track to be completed in September 2012 and are expected to help to encourage people back into the Waterdale area.
The new public square is progressing well and North Midland Construction is on schedule to complete this and the various other public spaces in the spring.
Five raised terraced lawns and attractive areas of tree planting will frame the main square, whilst natural and robust materials like yorkstone, sandstone, granite and cast stone will feature throughout the classic design.
In order to create a space that can be used both during the day and at night, modern character lighting will serve to highlight key routes. The flexible space will also include a piece of public art and a water feature to provide animation and a source of play.
VINCI Construction UK started work on the new £20million performance venue in September 2011, with the 18-month build expected to be complete in spring 2013.
The modern building is the focal point of the development and will comprise: a 600 seat main auditorium, 200 seat/400 standing flexible performing space, drama studio, dance studio, education spaces, foyer, bar, box office, dressing rooms, circulation and ancillary spaces and a café. With so many uses available, the venue will offer something for everyone.
Mayor of Doncaster, Peter Davies, said: “The new performance venue will be the cultural heartbeat of the development and promises to be another wonderful addition to Doncaster’s growing portfolio of attractions.Doncasterhas much to look forward to.”
Muse Developments Projects Director, Michael Broadhead, added: “The Civic and Cultural quarter is really taking shape. The next piece in the puzzle – the NPV will put the culture into the Quarter, attracting top class performers and artists to Doncaster and providing public areas for visitors to enjoy.”
The £2.5 million refurbishment of the 850-space southern multi-storey car park was carried out by Muse’s sister company, Morgan Sindall. The new Civic Quarter Car Park has benefited from an extensive range of improvements including upgrades to the CCTV system, the installation of better lighting, new lifts, repairs to the concrete parking levels and an extensive repainting programme.
In November 2011, the car park received the prestigious Park Mark® award from the police and the British Parking Association.
The CCQ has been supported financially by Arts Council England and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund will play an important role in Doncaster’s economic future. The town is benefiting from significant levels of private sector investment, whilst jobs are being created and the town’s image to the wider world is being improved.
