Next arrival at town’s railway station will be redesigned forecourt

THE TRANSFORMATION of Doncaster railway station has moved a step closer after councillors approved the designs and layout for its new forecourt.

The redevelopment is part of the Urban Centre Masterplan, which officials hope will create 2,000 jobs by 2030 in the town centre.

As part of the work, the old Royal Mail sorting office was knocked down in autumn 2016, with car parking moved to the site so an area in front of the station could be turned into a public space.

Doncaster Council says the flexible space will include “quality landscaping, a water feature, lighting and seating areas, all creating a great place to relax with family and friends”.

It adds: “An inspirational and attractive design piece will form a screen between the square and Trafford Way so visitors are greeted with a statement piece symbolising Doncaster’s forward looking aspirations.

“The well-thought-out design, will guide visitors towards the urban centre through a high-quality area which provides an impression of a modern, vibrant town.”

Virgin Trains, which manages the station, also plans to invest £500,000 to create a contemporary glass canopy on the front of the station building.

Coun Bill Mordue, of Doncaster Council, said: “It is great news that the transformation of the train station has received planning permission and we are now able to move ahead with all of the plans. Work is well under way on these City Gateway plans which will create a tremendous first impression as people arrive in Doncaster at our train station.

“The whole scheme is designed to open up Doncaster town centre to more visitors and businesses, and improve the atmosphere for residents by creating a highly attractive and appealing public space which acts as new gateway into our centre.”

As part of the project, improvement works are taking place at the St Sepulchre Gate West junction with Cleveland Street.

There are plans to change the flow and direction of traffic on Trafford Way, with the existing taxi rank moved to within the station and a new drop-off loop providing a new one-way system for general traffic. These works are expected to continue until spring 2019