Regeneration

Have your say on the Frenchgate Interchange, the Community Stadium for Doncaster and their effects on the town.

Jackson
I thought that vthe old frenchgate was better with all of its mirrored finish and neons. I loved the car park lifts and the dingy subway

amy
What is the point of changing everything, this will cause chaos across doncaster. Alot of money was spent on the frechgate centre this money that has been wasted could be used for more important things rather than making doncaste look atractive. Its is popular as it it.

Phil Northwich
I moved away from Doncaster 30 years ago because it own had no future to offer and ambitious 18yr old. I'm glad to see the re-generation and the resurgence of local pride but please dont forget the elderly in the rush to give Donny a trendy 21st century makeover. My 81 yr old father locks himself away in his house on one of the main roads out of the centre due to vandalism and anti-social behavour after dark. He rarely visits the town centre for the same reason. Its his town too, but he has become a prisoner in his own home. Performance venues and Boutique hotels wont sort out the towns social problems..

Andrea Donny lass
I am proud to say im from donny and always will do im donny born nd bread,I am bringing up 2 children here and couldn't think of anywhere else id like to do so, the schools are doing a good job but more attention is needed in S.E.N However shopping in Frenchgate is a great experience and the attmosphere at the Keepmoat sadium is second to none.I am worried that as good as Frenchgate is the market is lacking and starting to look old we are a market town! with some great bargins so please lets look at how the markets can have a re-vamp. I also have concerns that yes we do have more jobs and more to come with the civil quater but these jobs seem to be low waged.I want to see real jobs where the management are from Doncaster there seems to be a high number of people who are not from around here who get the managerial posistions can some one please explain why that is! and the local residants seem to get the low waged jobs.I am all for the regenaration of Doncaster it does need so we can compete in the 21st Century but more attention to the jobs which are to be created and that Doncaster jobs are for Doncaster resisdents!

bob from goldthorpe.
Doncaster is a proud town and people should be proud of its mining and railway roots.Its what shaped the people of doncaster and made them what they are today.Times move on however and Donny today is a progressive and forward thinking town and much more pleasurable to visit than Barnsley or Rotherham.I should know coming from Goldthorpe,we are bang in the middle.

Andrew
I'm not a huge fan of this new civic project, although a new theatre would be welcome, but 3 hotels??In terms of parking, the plans show a new multi-story on Chequer Road,. Surely it would be better to build a sub terrainian carpark under the whole site - along with a road linking the 2 sides - leaving the whole area free of trafic, including buses.

Daniel Hodson
I think the frenchgate and the keepmoat are cool and look realy nice. I know the robin hood airport isnt here but thats also good. They all make Doncaster up-to date and for the future! I think the new Civic thingy will make it more cooler! Doncasters getting better!!!

Andy
I feel that if Doncaster is going to be a part of a greater of somewhere why does'nt become part of a greater Leeds. Surely it would be more beneficial for the region including Sheffield to be associated with a forward moving city such as Leeds with its possitive world image than. Leeds is second only to London as the centre of commerce in the U.K As for Doncaster went there recently and feel that its now projecting a more positive image and that if Sheffield does'nt keep an eye over its shoulder will be left in its wake.

Karl
If people are talking about living greater sheffield I personally would rather be part of Greater Leeds. Surely it would be more beneficial for Doncaster to be associated with a more dynamic forward moving city like Leeds,than be tied in with Sheffield.

Alan Smith
The new Transport Interchange is yet another plus for Doncaster to add to the likes of our very OWN international airport. I am surprised, however,that the powers that be didn't insist on the name Sheffield being included in the title of the interchange and equally puzzled that it contains no reference to Sherwood Forest.

Peter Mexborough
Doncaster is a good place to shop as its much more compact than Sheffield. Forget the city nonsense though.Donny is no more of a city than Rotherham or Barnsley. They have the sense to realise it! The often mentioned population of 300,000 is the whole Borough stretching from Thorne to Mexborough. Donny proper actually has a smaller population than Rotherham. In any case, the word "city" has negative connotations for many. e.g. the perception of high crime etc. Doncaster should promote its uniqueness and not try to be something it is not.

Dan
I looked around the new frenchgate interchange and shopping centre today as it opened. Personally i think it is amazing and one of the best things to happen to Doncaster. With the airport,the college soon to be opening,the frenchgate and the community staduim, Doncaster is certainly up and coming place that should be recognised all over the country

ben thorpe
I am staggered at the amount of regeneration going on in my home town. With the new transport interchange, new college, new airport, new community stadium complex, new racecourse grandstand and exhibition centre, new hotel/pub/restaurant at First Point (with poss a new IKEA store), new visitors centre at Potteric Carr, new industries, new housing, new jobs. Simply amazing.

pat bentley
People make a place it does not matter whether the improvements to Doncaster are good or bad. If people do not respect themselves each other and the enviroment It will still not encourage others to come to Doncaster.We all like some of the new things and not others but let's all pull together and agree to differ.So that we can make our own areas places to feel safe and happy in . Encourage the young to feel they have a future here and that we as adults care about them. Life is short and moves on and there will always be a need for changes to be made good or bad.Constant complaining achieves nothing.

maxine
why cant you do a indoor playarea

ron
Being a Doncaster man I think the town is looking good. The new college is going to be great for the students, but its a shame the market doesn`t life upto the towns old market. When I was young it was like Nottingham market "great", but not now. SORRY

Kay, Doncaster
I am Doncaster born and proud of it, like many young people I moved away when I was in my early 20's because Doncaster did nothing for young black folk spent 10 years away living in different parts of England, but I missed Doncaster and came back, I welcome the changes and now see a future for my children in Doncaster, People have a lot of bad things to say about Mayor Winter they should give him the praise due once in a while for helping to turn Doncaster around.

benny thorpe
I heard on Radio Sheffield that there's a proposal to include Barnsley into a greater Sheffield. I thought it already was!!! Rotherham too. They'll never include Donny in such thinking because we are a regional centre in our own right. Look at the weather maps on the BBC bulletins. Donny is always shown.This is a great place to live. Even Arsene Wenger said "fantastic Doncaster" only he did it in a French accent.

Sue, Doncaster
I think something like this should be welcomed, it will get 'Donny' out of the gloomy past and into a bright future. The airport has already created jobs for local people, development's should be welcomed with open armed.

burton from woodlands
this is great the new stadium looks great but i dont like the new frenchgate that much but it will be good for the town and i think we are planning to become a city so come on rovers' ROVERS TILL I DIE

Elliot
I think that the new improvements will be great, when they are finished. Doncaster will finally regain its status as a strong shopping town, not only that but a university and stadium too! What more do you want? As for those from Sheffield who oppose the new changes, there's no need for them to come to Doncaster, they can go to Meadowhall and be cooked in its sweltereing heat!

Stacy Machin
I think there should be more jobs 4 younger people

claire
I used to live in Doncaster and welcome the changes that are due to come. At the same time I am concerned that the amount of money spent so far could go towards Doncasters homeless, un-employed and medical facilites instead of beat the Jones's style of upgrading our delicate town. But still all the best for Doncaster because it really deserves a facelift. x x x

Marty, Stafford (previously from Hull)
I think the new Doncaster stadium design is really nice. And nicely tailored for the 21st century. Like Hull City Council, Well done to Doncaster Council for bringing this to fruition. Originally from Hull, I have seen the benefits the K.C stadium has brought to our city, with regards to football and rugby leauge success as well as great concerts held there. I'm sure Doncaster will also benefit too. As time passes and Doncaster Rovers and The Dragons become more successful, you'll see your attendances rise and probably the need for your ground to be upgraded. As well as this you'll get to have some great stadium concerts. I can only wish the Doncaster people the best of luck and every success for the future. Doncaster is a really sound town, and its people are really nice too. Good Luck for the future Doncaster, and well done to your council. Best wishes, Marty

Timothy Bowers
I own a business which is at a stage where I employ someone. I'm also looking to expand and thought there would be no where better than Donny, I enquired as to the cost of a shop withing the new frenchgate center and was informed that rent was £50k per annum I think this was exclusive of rates, this was for 450 SQft. With that in mind, it seems the costs are that great that Doncaster will simply be another Clone town with all the same shops you get everywhere else. Bigger attention should be paid to local business whom can bring something a little more unique, something which you don't get in every town, my business is one of those which offer something different to all those major chain stores. but for now it looks like I may have to stick with Rothereham, rather than expanding. With Local business you keep the money in Yorkshire, with Residents of Yorkshire being employed, surely this is better than another clone town, with major companies that have an anonymous face. Maybe I'm wrong, but gone are the days you had your own local butchers, bakers, bookstores, tailers,etc, etc, with a more personal level of service. Personal opinion of course.

Doncaster ex pat
I am both warmed and worried over the comments on this page. Doncaster is a town going places, over the last 4 years 7,000 jobs created, new airport,new stadium,new shopping/transport interchange, new university, new racecourse. Education improvement in the top 5 improving councils in the uk highest house price increases in the north of England. The place has turned round. It is going to take at least two generations to change the aspirations of the town but for the first time since I left "Donny" in 1987 can I see the light at the end of the Tunnel. Is this coincidence that for the same period the town has had an elected mayor? Sheffield too has changed and I believe within a region including both Barnsley and Rotherham South Yorkshire is begining to punch its weight. Its about time Doncaster residents got off their high horses and pulled together. Doncaster is great but its greatest asset is its residents. Joe.Pizza italy

a. roffe
can doncaster get any worse , i live in doncaster and am thoroughly ashamed of the place it seems the policy is if it is 10 years old knock it down and build a monstrosity , the uglier the bettert

paddy
I live in Goldthorpe and have shopped in Donny and Barnsley for years.I feel that any developments in either of these towns should be welcomed.We need to make this area a good place to live and excellent sporting and shopping facilities will certainly help.

MICK CLARK
The new stadium looks great, the new college is a masterpiece of design but the Frenchgate Interchange is a carbunkle, who chose to use metal sheets a the facade to the building!!! it is already discoloured!!!! not to mention the horrible green bits. Its UGLY.

danny
im only 14 but it looks like to me that mayor winter is just looking to get votes with big things like the new stadium and frenchgate, but he isn't doing things like good transport, things for kids because there's nothing in donny for kids to do, he needs to do the little things and people will support him more, the new college is great and so will the stadium but its a year late nearly and i seem to remember him saying he'd quit if he didn't get it done in time but i don't think so mr winter..... rovers 'til i die!!

Matthew Riley
Why is it called the Community Stadium? It will always be known as Belle Vue Stadium by the fans. Kitty says GO DONNY!!!

SHAUN ADAMS
HI I HAVE HAD STALL'S IN THE DONCASTER MARKET, I THINK IT LOOK'S A BIT LIKE SHANTY TOWN. NOW THEY HAVE PLANS TO OPEN THE MARKET LIKE THE FISH MARKET AND OPEN SOME DOORS, COME ON WHO PAYS THESE GUYS HOW THE HELL IS AN EYE SOAR GOING TO IMPROVE BY OPENING THE DOORS AND MAKING IT MORE OPEN AND COLDER. 1. IT WILL BE COLDER WHICH IS THE MAIN REASON FOR 9 MONTHS OUT OF 12 MONTHS PEOPLE DON'T GO TO THE MARKET 2. THE STALLS LOOK SHODDY (ALTHOUGH THIS IS THE FAULT OF THE STALL HOLDER THE COUNCIL KEEPS PROMISING THAT THEY WILL BE REPAIRING THE MARKET AND THE STALL'S MAY BE KNOCKED DOWN AND REBUILT SO MARKET HOLDERS CARN'T SPEND MONEY ON A STALL THAT MAY GET KNOCKED DOWN AND WE ARE STILL WAITING) 3. THE FLOOR LOOKS NASTY AND UNEVEN 4. THERE IS NO ELECTRIC OR SO SAY THE COUNCIL. NO MONEY WHAT SO EVER HAS BEEN SPENT ON THE MARKET IT'S SELF. I LOVE THE COUNCIL LETS NOT DO THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE TOWN LETS BUY A FLOWER PLAIN FOR THE ROUNDABOUT.

Debra King
Last time in Doncaster was 2 yrs ago, from what I remember it was a carzy so the revamp will do it good.

ELSIE BUTLER
DONCASTER SHOULD HAVE CITY STATUS NOW,WITH ALL THE AMAZING REGENERATION THAT HAS BEEN DONE IN OUR TOWN.WE ARE IN TUNE WITH THE 21ST CENTURY.AND THE FUTURE GENERATION OF OUR TOWN WILL BENEFIT.I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE IT ALL FINALISED AND WE HAVE THIS AMAZING TOWN.HURRY UP AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK MAYOR WINTER.

Bev
I cannot understand Molly's comment about the market! Good grief - what joy? She's just come back from London and thinks Doncaster Market is great come on, get real! All I can do is shake my head in complete disbelief! There is nothing to the market, the stalls are full of tat, the fruit and veg market hardly exists and even at Noon there are numerous stalls vacant. I agree, it USED to be a great market, but not any more. Yes, Doncaster looks great and great plans have been made for it, but the good old tax payers will pay for it with higher Council Tax.

Michael Rodgers
This development looks good. Doncaster has the outstanding example set by Sheffield to follow. Well done Doncaster.

Phil Donny Born & Bred
I have traveled and lived all over the world and have always come back to DONCASTER. After 23 yrs of roaming i and my family elected to settle down in Doncaster why is that you ask? the people are freindly,and the town centre is finaly coming together after many years. We have possibly the oldest market in England long may it reign, we have the oldest Classic horse race of the country The St Ledger,we also have some magnificent buildings on the outskirt of Doncaster (Brodsworth Hall, Cusworth Hall,ect)and the country side is stunning and its all on DONCASTER TOWN DOORSTEP come on lets look after our town. DONCASTER forever anyother place NEVER

RobC
These major developments will certainly propel Doncaster into the 21st century. The Frenchgate Centre was becoming a bit like the rest of the Doncaster shopping experience (run-down, for which the Council should take the blame for through its planning and parking policies) and has been in need of a thorough facelift for years. Its got more than that from the look of the work completed so far! The Education City is a fantastic project, and will help Doncaster raise standards of education throughout the Borough - my 6 year old daughter has already decided she is going to university in Doncaster (she's thinking of the good quality lodgings, I'm sure)! The Community Stadium is well overdue, as Belle Vue has been a laughing stock amongst away fans for the past 20 years! Having said that, the pitch at BV is first rate and all care should be taken to ensure that the one at the new (Black Bank?) stadium is equally good (I believe the current pitch is laid on ash, which helps with it's drainage). New surroundings will certainly help all the Doncaster sporting clubs who use the facility, and you never know, perhaps the fickle football fans of Doncaster will turn out in great numbers week-in, week-out to support the great work John Ryan and Dave Penney have started. The town deserves some success after the rollercoaster ride of the past 10 years or so, but I'm still not sure we are a City yet - and anyway, what's so wrong about being the best town around?

David Tierney
what can i say doncaster has come a long way since martin winter taken office as the towns mayor. he has worked wonders in getting this town back on the map, frenchgate will now rival big shopping centres such as murderhell. and as for good old doncaster rovers they finally have a stadium to match the team, up the rovers onward and upward to the new stadium! ROVERS TILL I DIE!!

kev
As somebody who has spent all my life living i mexborough who is forced to be part of DMBC but who feels no affinity to the place its just a waste of my towns taxes. we all prefer Rotherham OR Barnsley anyway.

ronald
Although I admire the efforts of the council to give the town a much needed facelift. I can only think that it will be money down the drain. As for the arrival of Debenhams, what kickbacks/tax breaks have our council had to offer them to come to the town. Surely they haven't singled out donny town centre as some to expand into. I just can't see their middle income fashions and homeware appealing to donny's matalan/netto/poundstretcher crowd. Regarding the rovers, it will be good to lose the worst ground in the football league tag, not before time.

Molly
I was born and grew up in Doncaster but went to live in London when I got married. I have just returned to live in Doncaster after 40 years although I have been a regular visitor during that time. I cannot understand why so many people are continually sniping at Doncaster and the local Council/bus service/town centre etc. We have many visitors from down south and they cannot wait to go into the town centre especially the market which is a joy, especially the meat and fish markets. The town centre is certainly improving and I cannot believe how good the bus service is. Most people don't seem to know how bad some other places can be. More and bigger shops will enhance the town and the new bus interchange but I hope it does not detract from the advantages already here. You can keep Meadowhall,too crowded, too expensive and too hot. Doncaster needs more culture and entertainment but you can't have everything. It is so easy to get to ther places and we have to smile when people talk about the horrendous traffic. You should live within a mile of the M1 and the M25 as we did. There are a lot of worse places.

Oliver Ferguson
Doncaster is one of very few major Roman Towns still in existence within the country not to have been given city status. Coupled to this, Doncaster is the fifteenth largest population centre outside of London and yet still only exists as a town despite having a population of nearly 300,000 citizens, much larger than many cities such as Nottingham and Leicester. I'm pleased to see that the new developments in Doncaster are promoting it's true potential as a recognised Major City. A place where it should always have been.

Dicko age 12
I have lived in Doncaster all my life and i love the place. I have never felt the need to leave my town as i have everything i need right here. My mum tells me that the big cities are dangerous and that doncaster is the place to be. With all these new buildings i think i'll be in doncaster for the rest of my life. Why go out of town when you'll have everything here, Doncaster Rovers, Debenhams and subway, what more could we ask for. I say we all get behind the builders and give them everything they want. Come On Eileen....

Rich
I moved away from Doncaster some years ago. After the pits shut down there was not much going on. I am glad to see that it is getting a makeover and giving it's best to re-invent it's self. I would love to move back and let my kids have the same kind of upbringing as I did but the lack of top end jobs prevent me. What I would like to suggest is that you can change the appearance of a town but if you want to change the culture you must also change the people. If you want youths to change then you have to give them hope of a better future and you do this through better education and you get buy in from them by showing them that there are jobs out there where they can use the education.

Charli
I feel that the developments are a good thing. It's all very well moning about the state of 'Donny' but at least something is being done about it. Negativity towards this will achieve nothing.

Tom
Doncaster is the future and i want to be a part of it.DO YOU?

emmabee
Litter, chewing gum grafitti ridden streets. Countryside round the town! a variety of dumpit sites for old tyres, chairs, fridges, builders rubble. Even the signs that the council put up telling people it is illegal to deposit litter, add to the drabness. Mayor Winter's enforcement policy is not working. It costs a fortune to collect and clean. Open up the council dumpit sites with no charges again to reduce some of the problem. Lets up educate people into taking pride in their town and avoid the litter, graffiti and chewing gum problems. Stop the plethora of cheap junk selling shops appearing in the town, particularly in the run upto xmas. Come on you councillors EARN some of the money you get paid in attendance and expenses etc. To put it another way money paid to Mayor Winter and his Deputy Rave and other cohorts in the cartel that rules can be better spent on rectifying some of the problems I have mentioned.

Richard
Its nice to see some physical evidence of funding at last, too often have doncaster MP's been involved in scandals regarding funding. However i think the developments could backfire if other areas aren't addressed. E.g. More police on streets, and more action from the police would be nice. The towns that surround doncaster are neglected by this vision of making doncaster a city. Drug users are moved from doncaster to smaller towns such as Conisbrough and Mexborough. In summary more needs to be done area wide instead of flushing cash down the toilet making doncaster look retty.

STEVE
I would just like to thank dooly for his useful, un biased comments re: Doncaster folk. I am intreged to know where he his from and would relish the opportunity to comment on his abode. I am Doncaster born and bred and proud of it. Robin Hood Airport! Good choice of name to recognise a thoroughbred Yorkshire lad!

scott cocker
just a short comment about the finish look of the sheet metal look of the new frenchgate center. it looks very bad

J& D New to Donny
Looking at some of the comments in the "Have your say section" are to say the least unfounded. I myself travel all over the UK and like most cities and towns, all have plus points and bad points. Doncaster is no different from anywhere else. However Doncaster does have many great advantages, firstly there is a lot of development and large companies moving into the Doncaster surrounding areas, Doncaster is perfect for any logistics companies due to the location and motorway access, If Doncaster was not any good for business, why is there a rumour that Virgin Atlantic are coming to Robin Hood airport. The best thing we can do wether you are new to Doncaster or Have lived in Doncaster for many years, is to speak and support your area. If we as people are not enthusiastic about who we are,what we are and proud to live in the area, why should further investment come to Doncaster. There is an old saying "If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always got." Be part of the change and not the past, lets move on !!!!

Rob Lee
15000, for Doncaster Rovers?!

Nicola
i have lived in Doncaster all my life and i love the place. what more can i say?i had a great and happy childhood growing up here and i think the town will do great with the new shopping centre. i have spent alot of time at uni in sheffield and i personaly think that doncaster is a much nicer place to live. the only thing i hate about doncaster is the name of the airport, what were they thinking!!!!! robin hood has little to do with south yorkshire let alone DONCASTER.

dooly
Doncaster is the most culrurally deprived place ive been to. the locals are beer swilling morons who cant stand anyone who dosnt like football and dosnt wear ben sherman shirts. they need to get out and see the world, I cant even imagine what you people must be like who actually say donny is good, very very sad i suppose. Get new lives.

sam carrington
donny is a TOTAL DUMP, spending any cash at all on that hideous pit is total insanity. "I want to be a city", get real!

A L Carlyle
I was born in Salford and moved to Doncaster about three years ago so I feel very qualified to comment on various topics. I love what is happening in the centre of Doncaster, the area has so much potential for growth. I will be interested to see how business responds to the possibilities. I have never had a problem parking my car in Doncaster, even during all the work and find it much more frustrating when I go to Manchester or Salford than I have ever done here. To me the market in Doncaster is much livelier than anything that now exists where I was brought up. Most of the markets in the part of Salford that I come from closed years ago. I love listening to the fruit and veg sellers, it would be a shame if this unique aspect of Doncaster ended. I also think that the local newspapers are great in helping maintain a sense of community. One of the first things that I noticed about Doncaster was how pleasant all the people were, very helpful and caring. The area reminds me of the Salford that I grew up in the place that no longer exists. It was wonderful to grow up in Salford then. Don’t let Doncaster go the same way.

Vicki Gooderson
Doncaster is a rapidly expanding town, both in culture & industry. The town centre is rapidly changing from a place that is dominated by the nightlife to include street markets, live bands & jazz and even book shops!!! In a few years Doncaster will be a great place to live. good transport, good shopping & a great community spirit

oggle
all this will do donny good but how long before the yoof reck it like they do everything else example: loads of new email booths have appeared around doncaster & 2 months after being placed none of them work this will happen to the town center eventually

jess
i live in doncaster i think it is going to be good because of course i am a woman and shopping is great thank you

BBC South Yorkshire
To respond to Dave's points about this website:
Firstly, this article does not have either a positive or a negative viewpoint on the changes taking place in Doncaster. Its purpose is to report impartially on what is happening in the town and to invite commentary and debate from members of the public. The views shown below reflect a range of opinion but are not necessarily those of the BBC and this website's editors.
That is not to say that we don't publish features which celebrate Doncaster, reflecting an optimistic mood where appropriate.
Our coverage of the Robin Hood Airport opening included celebratory content like a picture gallery and historical feature alongside helpful information and a debate feature.
Similarly, in the summer of 2003 we put significant effort into celebrating Doncaster's rail history, with a whole range of features about the rail plant's 150th anniversary celebrations.
Doncaster is a key part of the area served by the BBC South Yorkshire website and we report on and produce features from the town on a regular basis. For example, see our coverage of Ladies Day at Doncaster Races recently.
Regeneration has also been a significant issue in other parts of the county, such as Sheffield in recent years. We are aware that the subject often attracts heated debate, because of the strength of people's feeling about their environment. We plan to continue reflecting that debate.

Maxim
Both Doncaster and Sheffield are rather pathetic and run-down, so until both are significantly re-developed, sniping about which is better is rather pointless

mary
having taken part in the town centre races on a wednesday night in july, with lots of children taking part, it was a disgrace to have to walk past bottle swigging young men and girls, all drunk. after the race had finished,8.30pm ---swaying all over and jeering at us.How can they offer Doncaster to respectable people and hope for any support.Is this the future, do we have to accept it?

Morningstar
Doncaster is like any other town in northern England, still trying to get back on it's feet after Thatcher raped and pillaged it. New development can only be a good thing if it brings jobs to the town. Who cares about city status? We don't need it. We're doing just fine.

brydi-lee age 11
i think the doncaster developments are fantastic!! there are more facilatys,more cafes etc

Chris W
In relation to the comment that Bev has made about the Waterdale centre, i do believe there are plans for that entire area to be redeveloped. From what I have heard, there will be a new performance venue, the library will be rebuilt and it will be yet another area of Doncaster that Doncastrians can be proud of. If this gets the go ahead, it will be yet another welcome development in what is probably the most up and coming town/city in South Yorks.

Marianna
The market in Doncaster has long had its day and seems to just sell cheap tat now, so some new decent shops selling decent stuff is most welcome. More concerning is the continual increase in pubs in the town, so much so that it is makes it impossible to have a night out without coming across hordes of drunken yobs, vile language and sexual provocation. Furthermore the increase in immigrants inthe town, particularly hanging about Tescos is very unnerving, especially as they talk in their own language and you cannot understand what they are saying about you.

Dave
Doncaster's prblem is this BBC South Yorkshire website. As a site dedicated to local issues, you might expect it to carry a positive message of the area, however, any report on Doncaster is negative. Think back to when Doncaster did apply for city status, there was an article similar to this one, discouraging any change in the town. Why? Similarly, with the debate over Robin Hood Airport on this site.

Bev
Can people only see Debenhams? Good grief! What about the Waterdale centre? Whilst its had a makeover there are still the 'no marks' hanging around the 2 amusement arcade centres and the chippy. Its just a nicer place for teenagers to swear at their offspring. And what of the shops? Hardly designer are they!

vikki n bronwyn
i think doncaster community stadium will be really good for the community i might even put doncaster on the map! gud thinkin

Nath
Go Donny

lauren
it is going to abolutely fantastic and all the kids can shop till they drop!! doncaster is finally catching up i can feel a new city coming!!!! this place is just getting better and better and with the new sports complex it is amazing how all the good things can come at once even with the new airport doncaster is amazing i am proud of my town!!!!

Mr Ian Southern
It would be nice to see more designer shops in doncaster instead of more pubs or eating houses.Give it the shopping image it use to have.

Jon
I'm not sure what this Frenchgate interchange thing is. Is it just a bus station?

John Smith
Doncaster should be flattened

Nikki Groom
I think the new development is a big plus for Doncaster, not only will their be job prospects but Tourism will be a big factor also. I think that Doncaster deserves City status....Let Doncaster be known for something other than the PUB CAPITAL of the north..I look forward to returning to Doncaster as a Tourist...

Trevor Bentley
The parking in Doncaster is poor and a park and ride like the one in York would be an advantage from the north of Doncaster. If Doncaster market is to keep going we need better transport to the market area and not a long walk to the buses with your shopping.

Liam
I'm from Sheffield and studying in Salford, Greater Manchester; and i have to say Sean, that Salford does not thrive on the success of Manchester- if anything it wilts under its shadow (officially one of the worst places in Britain to live!). Calling South Yorkshire 'Greater Sheffield' is nonsensical and wouldn't change anything. Why would renaming the region help Doncaster? Opal Fruits didn't taste better when they were changed to Starburst!! I do agree that the region must pull in the same direction however. I have visited Donny on many occassions as i have family there; it has potential. However, I can vouch for the "racist" and homophobic attitudes of the city, and a lack of pronounced culture- i couldn't believe it when i wasn't allowed into most clubs (the best one's) without shoes, shirt and trousers! How Barnsley-minded is that! If you want to become a city or a 'better' place, then money is needed. But, do be careful that this money isn't spent willy nilly like my councils in Sheffield and Salford have done to try and catch up with the rest. I think SY should all work together in putting all our advantages into one pot. Finally, Doncaster doesn't have to RADICALLY change. I don't want to visit a clone-town/city in the next 5 years. Why not develop on your own culure:sport, and friendly people; not the 'Starbucks on every corner' that Sheffield, Manchester and Leeds are becoming!

Emma Warren
To all those of you saying that Doncaster is attempting to 'buy' city status: For many years Doncaster has held the title of the England's largest town, but without a cathedral this has meant nothing. St. George's church has been tranformed into a Minster and now, we are a serious candidate. The transport links and the new 'multi-versity' are additions that are only here to benefit us locals, not the bank balances of the council looking for city-ship. The council are turning around from the sting of Donny-gate and hopefully the city-ship will come. Doncaster is often mistaken for a city (re. local radio, press etc. eg. traffic reports on Doncaster CITY centre) and surely this speaks volumes????

lauren shaw
i live in doncaster and I think the change is for the better. we're even getting a debenhams, that will save us going to medowhall to get deginer clothing!!!!!

tom ley
It could be a case of the lunatics running the asylum but i hope i am proved wrong

benny thorpe
I'll bet that David is a wow at parties. You can almost hear the sneer in his voice. In five years when he's proved to be totally wrong he'll probably be moaning about something else. Donny is changing for the better, like it or leave it. Its a free country.

kayleigh
i think that the undergoing transformation of Doncaster is well needed.However it is just trying to gain a city status...

colin harwood
Doncaster Council have for years been nothing but obstructive towards modern well forward thinking development. If decent buildings have been built it has been Despite the council not Because of them. If the council have mended their ways, then so much the better. It goes deeper, Doncaster generally has had a parochial, defensive attitude to change in lots of areas. The friday/ saturday night affray in the centre is not a good advert for the town, and yet I am frequently turned away from bars by black coated thugs, who think that by wearing training shoes I lower the tone. What is the council doing to remove this squalid state?, licencing the bouncers hasn't helped. I get the impression that most educated Doncaster folk move to live and spend their money elsewhere, (their degrees having been paid for by Doncaster). A PROPER university would therefore be a good thing for the town; because; and here is the controversial bit, ( for reasons listed above) there isn't a big enough educated middle class population, for it to be a balanced town (let alone city), hence no bookshop, hence no civilised bars etc. etc. , I think a prestigious seat of learning might start to tip the demographic scales ................discuss

David
Yet again town planners and the council have thrown money at not one, but several white elephants. Appalling traffic problems and the seemingly endless forest of traffic lights will kill of any hopes the town has of becoming 'the place to be'. The congestion is bad now but just wait till the new Uni opens. The new Frenchgate centre is the biggest mistake of all. 18th biggest shopping centre in the UK? That's hardly a boast. I'll go to Meadowhall for choice, convenience and free parking thanks. For anything else I'll go to Leeds - sometimes it's quicker and easier to get to from Doncaster. I will be happy to be proved wrong, but I think that within 5 years these new developments will prove to be crippling economical disasters for the town.

Mark
I think good news that Doncaster is getting some money spent on it at last because to be honest it needs it.It will take a long time to catch up with Sheffield what with the new £600 million retail quarter city living,new hotels,new offices the list is endless I agree with Bob and lets call South Yorkshire Greater Sheffield then all the towns in South Yorkshire will become cites.

James William Simpkin
Being a student in Sheffield I am constantly defending Doncaster against the sniping of those who don't know Donny and who slag it off. Actually this is a pleasure as I enjoy telling people about all the great things that are going on in Doncaster. The new interchange, the community stadium, the university and the airport all have great potential. Doncaster has always been a centre for transport (one ancient spin-off of this is the horse racing which grew out of the stage-coaches which travelled north) and Donny could leap into the 21st century with the new aiport making Donny famous yet again for transport. This coupled with a university perhaps specialising in high tech engineering to complement the aerospace industry of the airport and whammy, a firm future ahead. Yes, when the uni comes we'll get about more culture in the town apart from just thuggish townies. It'll be great. I can't think of any other town that will have so much being built in it right now. Go Donny!

Bev
Whilst the idea is a good one and Doncaster can certainly do with a facelift, why sell off the family silver to do it? What would have happened if the Councillors years ago had agreed to do that? There would be nothing to sell which will be the case in a few short years, therefore now new stadium or 'Education City'now. What then for Doncaster to raise any cash in the future? Heavy borrowing from the private sector and the Council tax payer footing the bill will be the only way. As for City status ... doubt it, just because you re-name St George's Church to a Minster doesn't mean its great. The market area is now hopeless, although it was once the pride of Doncaster, stalls are now preparing to leave at 3 o'clock in the afternoon with most stalls during the day not being used. I don't think Debenhams coming or a new book shop will help raise Doncaster's profile as yet another pub is due to open in Silver Street to encourage more binge drinking which means the unfortunate street cleaner will no doubt have more vomit to clear away. Mayor Winter, whilst wanting to do the best has been very short sighted.

Colin
I've lived in Doncaster for most of my life except when I went to University and i absolutely adore it. The roadworks have been bad but bearable in comparison to driving around Leeds or Sheffield when no roadworks are on. The problem faced by Doncaster is that, even though the face lift will be fantastic for Doncaster their are underlying problems in Doncaster expecially in outlying ex mining area's. Some ex mining villages have been lucky enough to attract people to live in them due to the fact they are located close enough to Doncaster to be used as commuter area's. Some of the other villages leave a lot to be desired (we all know which ones). Surely the social problems in these area's need to be tackled.

george robinson
i hope doncaster leaves rotherham alone now they have got what they want and get on with their plans

carol treagus
i have lived in doncaster for 10years and love it would never go back to london where i came from. doncaster is a friendly place people have time foryou here, and going to love the centre when it is finished. good old donny

Benny Thorpe
Had to respond to Sean's thoughtful message. He's using his head but this is more from the heart.Manchester and Salford are physically joined not 20 miles apart as we are from you. Would you suggest Chesterfield became part of greater Derby? Might work for Rotherham but not Donny. We're so far away from you we even get a better climate - sunny! By the way, the museum and art galleries are on Chequer Road, at Cusworth Hall and Brodsworth Hall. You can have your independent cinema, cool little cafe bars and book shops, we'll have the best market in the north, the world famous racecourse, the minster and 90 mins from London on GNER. Good luck to Sheffield and the way you have changed your image. I still think your city centre is being ruined by the drab new buildings that are ruining the vista of the splendid Winter gardens. No greater Sheffield or greater Doncaster in the future just two terrific places to live, offering a full variety of interests and amenities to the people of the region.

chris
I live in Rotherham and just wanted to say that i wished the councill of Rotherham were as forward thinking as the councill of Doncaster. Investment in our towns is so badly needed its a worthwile investment as it will attract more buisness in the future. Sheffield is trying to get the supertram link to Rotherham but i say forget that Rotherham should link with Doncaster and lets see what bennefits we can get from it.

Mark - Rotherham
Looks good and it should create a good buzz round the town. I'd love to see Rotherham follow suit. Our town centre is currently a joke as is our football stadium (even with the new stand which is currently being built).

Jo Ledbetter
I was born and grew up in Doncaster and thought it was so much smarter and better for shopping and socialising than Sheffield, where I came to attend university. I have to say that the reverse is true now; Doncaster is long overdue for a facelift - the town centre has become dirty and full of pubs and discount shops. Sheffield isn't perfect but has smartened up hugely in the 17 years I've lived here. Doncaster is a great town with a rich heritage, and it's people deserve decent amenities and a pleasanter environment.

Carl Preston
Being born and bred in Doncaster but now living in Chelmsford Essex,I've seen many changes over the years most of which was not for the best,but this definately looks like it's the right thing at the right time to bring an outstanding town back at the top where it belongs

Neil
I've got nothing but pride about how Doncaster has turned itself around from an Ex mining town to one of the brightest and most ambitious towns in the country. Its great to be a Doncaster Citizen at this moment and the mayor has been a major part of turning it around.

Ian Pearce
The football club have proven that they can go forward...there is a REAL possibility that they could play Premier League football because the local connurbations can provide enough support...this is also the real intention of the current directors and all the fans...sadly, a 15,000 seater stadium is simply not big enough to support this. The council are bonkers for not seeing thr real potential here. Another 5,000 seats would make sense....then the stadium could play host to more significant alternative events also such as concerts and trade fairs

Sean
Over two years ago I suggested on this very website that the region should be renamed Greater Sheffield. Greater Manchester is home to Salford, a city in its own right, with the Lowry and a university of its own. Yet, under the banner of its larger, more successful neighbour, it ceases to be a place in northern England that most people couldn't point to on a map and becomes something bigger and better than the sum of its parts. It basks in the success of Manchester and thrives because of it. Of course, I was shot down for heresy and the same tired old arguments that we see on this thread were wheeled out there too. Doncaster is better than Sheffield. Sheffield is better than Doncaster. Doncaster has to pay for all Sheffield's mistakes. Sheffield is a proper city, not a town. Blah, blah, blah. Whilst we score cheaps points on message boards Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Birmingham race ahead of us. Sheffield and Doncaster should work together for the good of the region. It's great for Sheffield that Doncaster is improving; superb rail links and the new international airport are fantastic for the region as a whole. Here Doncaster does something Sheffield, with its hilly geography, cannot do. With a university on the way and continued investment in the town, it means that South Yorkshire will at last begin to rival Greater Manchester as a vibrant, exciting urban conurbation capable of attracting business and people to move to the region. Sheffield cannot and should not be expected to do it alone. The region is stronger when it works together. We must, absolutely must, get away from the old parochial sniping at each other. This is holding the region back and remains its Achilles Heel. Sheffield is the fourth largest city in England; with two universities, a city undergoing massive redevelopment and a population double that of Doncaster. It is the region's capital and always will be. It boasts the largest theatre complex outside of London, the largest independent cinema outside of London, as well as the Peace Gardens, the Winter Gardens, several museums and some of the most spectacular countryside in the land. It doesn't, however, have space for an international airport and train links to the city are hamstrung by its location in the hills of the Peak District. Here is where Doncaster comes into its own as the gateway to the region. All of this doesn't mean Doncaster is second best though; it can and must play its part in driving the region forward. To this end I would hope to see investment in improving rail links between Sheffield and Doncaster, and perhaps the possibility of the tram network reaching the town. It is astonishing that the new aiport has opened without these facilities already in place. It still remains more convenient for a family in Sheffield to jump on a train at Midland Station for Manchester Aiport (which is actually in Cheshire, but they haven't spent the intervening time since it opened complaining about the correct name) than it is to get a bus to Doncaster Sheffield International. Doncaster desperately needs a university; the town has a dearth of cultural life. If you're not a shaven-headed beer monster in a pastel shirt, or a mulleted pretty boy in a pair of trousers that cost a small mortgage, then you'll find little in the town of an evening to excite you. Where are the museums? The art galleries? The independent cinema? The cool little cafe bars and book shops? The gig venues that mean every up and coming band visits the town? These are what makes a city; they transform it from a backwater of low level racism and homophobia and drag it into the present by attracting people who would otherwise be in Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester, Brighton - anywhere - other than Doncaster. If Doncaster truly has aspirations of becoming a city it needs these smaller things as much as it needs the investment in shiny new office blocks. But office blocks do not make a city; they make your town into Milton Keynes. And who wants that?

Paul Swift
Doncaster is the boom town of south yorkshire.Sheffield will soon be a part of a greater Doncaster. Well done mayor Winter.

Karen Shanks
I love the Frenchgate. I think im a shoppaholic. I love to shop at Doncaster. Carry on building boys!!

J
After working and living in many countries of the world, I have finally settled back in my hometown of Doncaster. The reason - it is a town with character and heart. Let's give the place the chance to revive itself. It's people deserve it.

James
I work in Doncaster but come from the south of england. I think it is a good place to live with good transport links and affordable housing. As Doncaster gets more and more amenities it will attract people from all over the UK. I've heard its getting a university as well.

neil hanson
they are just trying to buy there way into city status

Phil
I have lived in London, and now doncaster, and I work in sheffield and barnsley. I think that these people who are slagging off doncaster should take a closer look at their own towns and see how much more doncaster council is dong than their own to make the town they live a more pleasant place. I think Frenchgate is going to make a pleasant change from Meadow-hell!! It's about time the people of Doncaster got what they desrve a good shopping centre. Doncaster is getting better all the time and a more pleasant place to live. I say good on the developers for taking the risk and supporting such a great town.

Kevin Rodgers
The new Interchange and Stadium are superb projects showing that Doncaster has the self confidence to raise its profile in South Yorkshire as a new regional city to rival that old burg Sheffield. Add to this the Airport at former RAF Finningly, and the expansion of Doncaster College into a University at St. Georges Bridge, Doncaster is well and truely on the up.

Jim
I think Doncaster is really on the up. All the new shops are great and businesses are keen to come here too.

Julie
Doncaster is an up and coming town with lots of inward investment. It's important that out of towners get a favourable opinion of us. The more investment the better, especially great shops like Debenhams. Places like these will stop me going to Meadowhall. I would liek to see more money spent in Doncaster to capitalise on our entertainment industry. Doncaster has got a reputation as one of the best places to go at night, I would like to see more day time entertainment centre such as skating parks, adventure playgrounds in Sandle beat Woods, even amotor cycle track. Doncaster Council have spent lots of money on the local leisure centres and it's obvious to anyone that more and more people are using them.

Vikki, Doncaster
I live in Doncaster and although the traffic is bad due to the progess it looks like its going to be worth it in the end, its helping towards Doncaster's goal of becoming a city, which it deserves to be.

louise brown
It's about time Doncaster had a face lift I think it's great having all these new developments!

alan
its people like bob thats killing off our villages, greater sheffield "bull" after spending all that money in donny why not spend some on the out lying villages.

pam tuck
there is no need to worry about baxtergate and the market not getting any customers when the new precinct opens, as they are already dead in the water and hav e been for some time due to the fact that there is nowhere to park, and hasn't been for quite a long time. in fact since the fiasco of the new precinct started, i myself have not even attempted to go into town, and neither have many of my friends and neighbours,so mayor winter what is your explanation going to be to all the market traders who have already gone out of business ,it has been a joke and many of these people will never come back into doncaster,meadowhall being a much easier option,at least there you dont have to keep riding round for an hour hoping to find somewhere to park .

Benny Thorpe
The developments are fantastic but you forgot to add a third - the Doncaster Education City. Being Donny born and bred I can honestly say that this is a great time for the town (city soon). I work in Sheffield and I can't believe what's happening to their city centre. They're surrounding the Winter Gardens with the dullest drabbest new buildings. Perhaps start a thread about that!

Ian
I have lived in Doncaster all my life and can remember the old Arndale center first being built and all the facelifts in-between and think that Doncaster is on the right tracks for attracting people and business to invest & spend in Doncaster. I think that any town that has a river flowing through it has to invest in a crossing of sorts … the more crossings over it (within reason) the better all round; and if this means disruption for long periods then as my girlfriends daughter Danielle would say “If you want to see a rainbow you will have to put up with the rain”. I don not know how true this is but some time back I am sure I read somewhere that a long term goal is to have the whole of Doncaster center under a roof and the pedestrianisation of the center was or is a part of that grand long term scheme; I think this would be a great comfort for shoppers who would want to still have the ambience of being outdoors but the luxury of being dry and relatively warm and buildings being cleaner as they are not open to the elements. Go for it Doncaster and be the envy for miles around.

mike haley
with all the improvements there's a great feeling that doncaster is really on the up & up. the interchange will encourage better use of public transport & will be well worth the disruption which,i believe, is nearly at an end. it certainly gets the,"thumbs up," from me.

bob
doncaster is a perfectly pleasent place, but why waste money there when it could be put towards the regeneration of the much superior Sheffield! And while they're at it, why not make the rest of south yorks, "Greater Sheffield."

ROBIN CROPPER
WASTE MONEY

Susan Hunt O'Brien
I was born and raised in Doncaster, still visit occasionally. Isn't it about time that owners of old property in the middle of town were told give them a facelift? At least a coat of paint! I've never seen such a shabby town! I must say though, the marketplace and pedestrian only areas are a big improvement.