Regeneration project hit by funding crisis

Building works at Church View in the town centre have ceased and are not set to resume for some months – although those behind the project say it is still set to be completed this year.

It was originally thought that the project, which aims to transform the former college building into 58 new studios, offices, meeting rooms and a cafe set around a landscaped courtyard, would be completed by June. John Wright from the Doncaster Central Development Trust (DCDT), the not-for-profit organisation behind the scheme, said when the planning application was passed last July that Church View could become a "centrepoint for the community in Doncaster", somewhere where entrepreneurs could have a "credible, creative setting in which to develop their business ideas".

However, contractors have now downed their tools and the scheme is on hold indefinitely.

DCDT chairman John Giddins said: "We are continuing to work through a process with our funders, which will enable us to access vital funding to allow contractors to move onto the next stage of the exciting project.

"It has proved to be a lengthy process going through the fine detail, but we have been able to produce all evidence requested and we are anticipating in a decision in the weeks ahead.

"The current stop to all construction work on site was a decision taken to reduce the site holding costs until work can resume again in the near future.

"The trust would like to reassure people that it is in a sound financial position and we have a multi-million pound asset base of property in our portfolio to enable us to continue some the great work of the New Deal for Communities programme when it ends in March.

"We are, unfortunately, a victim of circumstances beyond our control and know that we are not alone and that other projects across South Yorkshire are in similar situations.

"We will continue to update people of the situation as we work towards a solution.

"We remain committed to opening Church View for tenants in 2011 but it is now unlikely that work will recommence for a few months.

"With this in mind we will be removing the scaffolding from the site in the coming weeks as we do not want to incur any unnecessary costs during this period.

Mr Giddins added: "DCDT has been delighted by the response and support that we have gained from people across Doncaster, South Yorkshire and further afield for the Church View development and we are still taking enquiries from businesses, groups and individuals who are interested in being based at Church View or hiring our facilities in the future."