SCAPE supports Doncaster’s flagship digital tech hub

Willmott Dixon will work closely with SCAPE on the £32m project, after being awarded the project though the SCAPE Construction Framework.

Work will begin in April with completion expected in early 2027, where it aims to be net zero carbon in operation, as well as achieve an EPC rating of A and BREEAM Excellent.

Gateway One will also include an area of public open space and span across five floors with two commercial units on the ground floor which incorporate alfresco dining.

It is largely funded through the Doncaster Town Deal fund, and overseen by the Town Deal Board, a sub-group of the new city centre board. It builds on Doncaster’s ambitions to grow a digital and tech cluster of national significance. The specialist digital tech hub and the businesses located there will focus on digital technology with global AI firm Automatic Analytics among the founding businesses set to take up residence.

Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, said: “This pioneering building – right in the heart of Doncaster city centre at the train station gateway – is part of our plans to regenerate and modernise key areas of the city centre. Our aim is to create a new digital hub which will bring exciting new opportunities for Doncaster including jobs, economic growth, increased footfall and put Doncaster at the forefront of the changing economy and technological change as we strive to become a regional Artificial Intelligence (AI) Growth Zone.

“We want Doncaster to become a front runner in digital technology and we are already fast emerging as a centre of excellence for artificial intelligence (AI). This building will act as a magnet for leading digital and tech companies looking for opportunities to scale and grow their business to locate in Doncaster. The building will be a modern environment with improved public spaces and an extension to the recently regenerated railway forecourt.”

Chris Yates, Yorkshire director at Willmott Dixon, said: “Our team of local commercial experts will bring a wealth of experience and innovation to Gateway One. In partnership with City of Doncaster Council, we will create a cutting-edge and sustainable hub where digital and technology businesses can thrive and grow in this city.

“We’re passionate that innovation will be a catalyst for creating opportunities for the people of Doncaster, so, in partnership with our proud local supply chain partners, we are committed to creating six new employment opportunities directly on the project. Through our bespoke ‘Building Lives Academy’ initiatives in collaboration with Advance Employment Hub, we also aim to deliver more than 650 hours of impactful employment support for local people furthest from the job market, those at risk of redundancy and those looking to transition into the construction industry.”