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Images of Doncaster station redevelopment unveiled

New images of how Doncaster station could look after a multi-million pound transformation have today been released.

The designs aim to make the station entrance more welcoming and accessible, as well as create a modern gateway to the growing town.

Part of the plans include moving the car park to the old Royal Mail Sorting Office site, meaning that the current car park area could be opened up for use as a public space outside the front of the station.

As part of the new plans there will be a dedicated taxi rank, new car parking and easier drop off facilities. Local partners say that the new station will ensure the easier flow of traffic around the station and easier pedestrian access to the town centre.

The redevelopment of the station forecourt is being carried out in partnership with Virgin Trains and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive. In February, the council secured £7m of Sheffield City Region funding to transform the station forecourt

Virgin Trains, which manages the station, will also play a part in the project through a £500,000 investment to create a contemporary glass canopy on the front of the station building.

Residents will be given a chance to have their say on the plans, as a number of engagement events will be held across the town.

“The plans we have revealed for the new station forecourt are really exciting,” said Cllr Bill Mordue, Doncaster council cabinet member for business, skills and economic development. “We have worked hard to develop these with our partners, ensuring that we take into account all users of the station. It is now time to let the residents of Doncaster have their say and input.

“We need to ensure that we get this development right because for many visitors to Doncaster, the station is the first impression they get of the town centre,” he added. “This needs to be a friendly and welcoming area that residents and visitors want to come back to again and again.”

And Tim Hedley-Jones, major projects director for Virgin Trains, stated that this is an important gateway to the town, and “the canopy and improvements to the forecourt could significantly enhance our customers’ experience and improve visitors’ first and last impressions of Doncaster”.

Sir Nigel Knowles, chair of the Sheffield City Region’s business leaders, the Local Enterprise Partnership, commented: “This is a great development at a great time for the region.

“It’s exactly the right sort of move forward for our ‘let’s get it done’ work ethic – harnessing drive and ambition.”

Click here for more information about the development.

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