Doncaster Trains-formation is complete

The train station redevelopment is part of the wider Doncaster Urban Centre Masterplan. 

Partners involved in transforming the inside and outside of Doncaster Railway Station have celebrated its completion.

Visitors and users of the new look station can now enjoy a world-class experience and are provided with a wonderful first impression of Doncaster.

The station forecourt has been be turned into a top quality public space to welcome visitors to Doncaster thanks to the creation of a new car park, changed road layout and a repositioned and improved taxi rank and drop off point.

Over 50,000 granite slabs have been laid, which combined with beautiful landscaping, water features and the incredible ‘Building Speed’ piece of public art have created a jaw-dropping visual hit as you step foot outside. The artwork is a celebration of Doncaster’s rich rail and horseracing heritage.

Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, said: “The transformation of Doncaster railway station is remarkable. Our comprehensive scheme has seen the forecourt which welcomes visitors to Doncaster go from an uninspiring car park and taxi rank to a stunning public space. Superb landscaping, impressive water features and a piece of public art celebrating how ‘speed’ has played such an important role in Doncaster’s past and future is a tremendous focal point.

“Quality developments like this is what Doncaster is all about. We are a town with great ambition and huge potential. Investors and companies looking to expand or relocate can see the direction we are heading and join us in our journey. The scheme is one we can all be proud of.”

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: “I’m proud that we have been able to use more than £7.5million of our Local Growth Fund to help transform Doncaster Railway Station. We all know that Doncaster has a rich rail heritage and is home to the Flying Scotsman and Mallard, so it’s only fitting that they now have a world-class rail station. It’s schemes like this that show South Yorkshire is open for business and ready to build back a stronger, greener, fairer region for all.”

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall MP said: “I’m proud that we’re supporting transformation projects in Doncaster with a £7.5 million Local Growth Fund investment. It’s great news that the latest project, the redevelopment of Doncaster Railway Station, is now complete.

“The new station is a gateway to the town which the community can be proud of and will improve the experience of residents and visitors alike.”

Claire Ansley, LNER Customer Experience Director, said: “Doncaster Station has played an important role in the region for decades and we really value its rich history. That is why it’s so wonderful to see the work completed which has given the building and space outside a complete make-over for the benefit of customers and the community, making a real statement in the regeneration of the town.”

The council led redevelopment of the station forecourt was carried out in partnership with London North Eastern Railway (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 benefited from £7.5 million of Sheffield City Region funding.

The scheme design was produced by Doncaster Council’s own internal strategic infrastructure team with the main scheme works delivered by the council’s own internal teams.

The station has also been given an impactful and brighter entrance, with feature lighting that is more sustainable and in keeping with the station’s heritage, created within the ceiling domes of the main concourse. Lights on either side of the concourse have also been restored, adding to the new light and fresh feel of the station.

Externally, the former 1970s canopy has been replaced with a sleek glazed canopy, running across the front of the station to West Street car park. London North Eastern Railway (LNER), which manages the station, has invested £1.1 million into this improvement project.

Local Enterprise Partnerships are playing a vital role in driving forward economic growth across the country, helping to build a country that works for everyone.

That’s why by 2021 Government will have invested over £12 billion through the Local Growth Fund, allowing LEPs to use their local knowledge to get all areas of the country firing on all cylinders.

The ‘Building Speed’ public art concept was conceived by the council and enhanced and built by CB Arts Ltd. The impressive water fountains were installed by the Fountain Company Limited.