 Hello and welcome to the latest roundup of news and information
across the city centre.
We wanted to let you know that your feedback is helping to make positive changes to our city centre. Over the past few weeks, we have reached a series of milestones and we wanted to share those updates with you.
 A new vision for Doncaster City Centre
This week, the council’s Cabinet approved a new 25-year strategy for the city centre.
Last summer, through Doncaster’s Big City Conversation, over 8000 residents told us what they thought of the city centre and what they wanted from Doncaster city centre in the future.
Plans have now been agreed to future proof the city with an immediate 12-month action plan to tackle the top priorities outlined by residents.
Find out more here and read a summary of the strategy online:
 You can also find out more about how we are making Doncaster safer here:
Doncaster sets out ambitions to become Artificial Intelligence Growth Zone
City of Doncaster Council has firmly set sights on becoming a regional Artificial Intelligence (AI) Growth Zone in two ambitious expressions of interest made to Government.
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has submitted an expression of interest, which has been backed by a second industry led submission from global AI firm, Automated Analytics and supported by local tech and AI businesses. The submissions both champion Doncaster as an AI development hot spot and highlight the city as an ideal location to become a UK AI Growth Zone.
 Work set to begin on Doncaster’s flagship digital tech hub
Construction work will soon begin on Doncaster’s Gateway One development, a new 52,000 sq. ft Grade A office building on Trafford Way which is set to become Doncaster’s new digital tech hub.
Work on the £32m development, located adjacent to Doncaster train station, will begin in April with completion expected in January 2027. The project is largely funded by the UK Government through the Doncaster Town Deal fund, and overseen by the Town Deal Board, a sub-group of the new city centre board.
The development builds on Doncaster’s ambitions to grow a digital and tech cluster of national significance. The creation of a new, specialist digital tech hub and the businesses located there will revolve around digital technology with global AI firm Automatic Analytics among the founding businesses set to take up residence.
 Council invests in improved CCTV network
As part of city centre improvements, we have expanded our CCTV coverage to areas which have been acknowledged as lacking coverage and are locations where crime and anti-social behaviour is a recognised issue.
This includes the installation of tannoys, which allow our operators to communicate directly with individuals engaging in perceived anti-social behaviour. These measures aim to deter potential offenders and provide reassurance to the public.
We have introduced a state-of-the-art electric vehicle equipped with CCTV, a mobile defibrillator, and a first aid kit. This vehicle conducts high-visibility patrols in key areas, enhancing public reassurance and engagement opportunities.
Our commitment to safety is further demonstrated by increasing council patrols and adding more neighbourhood response team officers, enforcement officers, and street scene officers. These teams work alongside South Yorkshire Police, conducting joint patrols to maintain a visible presence and address issues promptly.
Our CCTV suite operates 24/7, monitored by trained and Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensed operators. This continuous surveillance contributes to the effective management, prevention and detection of crime and anti-social behaviour, ensuring a swift response to incidents, the gathering of evidence and enhancing public safety.
New Doncaster city centre plans will provide ‘health on the high street’
Local NHS providers are exploring the possibility of offering services in the heart of Doncaster city centre if new plans are approved to convert empty retail space in the Waterdale area of the city centre.
City of Doncaster Council is set to consider plans to lease the vacant St Modwen retail unit on Kingsgate in Waterdale. Subject to approval, the 25,000 sq. ft. space would then be sub-let to Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) and Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH), with a view to providing health services from the premises.
  
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