Go-ahead to turn old college into £8m business magnet

The 8m regeneration of Church View, previously Doncaster Art College, has been granted full planning permission by Doncaster Council.

The project, led by the Doncaster Central Development Trust, aims to turn Church View, which has stood empty for four years, into a building containing 50,000 sq ft of working space.

In all, 58 new studios, meeting rooms and offices will be created, set around a landscaped courtyard.

John Wright, head of enterprise at the development trust, said: "We believe Church View will become a centre point for the community in Doncaster.

"We hope it will attract back graduates who have left the town as well as local entrepreneurs who want a credible, creative setting in which to develop their business ideas.

"As a not-for-profit organisation, we are wholeheartedly committed to using Church View for the good of the community.

"We want it to be a really

stimulating place and a building local people are justifiably proud of."

It is hoped that the new building, which will also include a bar and caf and conference space, will be open in June 2011 to

provide a base for more than 50 artists and digital businesses.

Doncaster Central Development Trust was set up to continue the work of the New Deal for Communities scheme – a 52m drive to transform the Balby Bridge, Hyde Park, Hexthorpe, Nether Hall and Woodfield areas near the town centre.