Landmark building plans are unveiled
MAJOR PLANS for a £15m landmark building that will transform how library and heritage resources are provided in a South Yorkshire town have been unveiled by planning chiefs.
The proposals could see four existing crumbling buildings in Doncaster – the central library, archives, museum and art gallery and library services for schools – combined into one “dynamic central hub” aimed at inspiring creativity, informal learning and innovation.
If approved by Cabinet members at Doncaster Council on Tuesday, the development could become one of the most eyecatching buildings in the borough, delivering the very latest cultural facilities and services for the benefit of the town, according to planners at the authority.
Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones said: “This landmark building will become another big attraction in our town centre and enhance Doncaster’s wonderful cultural heritage. It will be a total step change to what is currently being offered.
“By consolidating four buildings into one unique building, we will create a cutting-edge space that will allow those using it to be creative, innovative and work together with others.
“It will attract leading literacy and heritage speakers, events and exhibits to the building and the borough and as well as being a wonderful resource for residents it will help bring new visitors to Doncaster.”
Dan Fell, chief executive of the town’s Chamber of Commerce, which is backing the project, added: “This is positive news that plans to transform the town centre are very real and that positive change to expand the town’s cultural offer is imminent.”
If the project is approved, work is planned to start late summer 2018, with the building opening by spring in 2020.