The journey from London to Doncaster, South Yorkshire’s newest city, is swift yet less frequented. Following the decline of its mining industry in the 1980s, Doncaster has faced challenges but is on the verge of change. Located near Orgreave, known for the pivotal 1984-85 miners’ strike clash, Doncaster is evolving. Though the coking plant is gone, the village maintains its historical significance, with ongoing justice campaigns.
Optimism is building for this previously struggling area, with an arts festival supporting its regeneration alongside entrepreneurship and local government initiatives.
### Artbomb UK
Held in Doncaster’s welcoming Unitarian Church, Artbomb UK is the city’s festival of experimental art and imagination. By transforming various local spaces, ArtBomb 2025 engaged artists, performers, thought leaders, and communities to explore better living under the theme, “A Meaningful Use of Time.”
“Experimentation, arts, and creativity are vital for cultivating energy, community, and innovation,” said Mike Stubbs, Creative Director of Artbomb UK.
Despite Artbomb 2025’s call for a slower pace, Doncaster advances rapidly. An historical hub for rail engineering and manufacturing, Doncaster blends its strengths with digital skills and fresh investments to create a modern tech hub. Notably, Gateway One, the forthcoming digital tech hub near Doncaster station, is a key development. With £32 million backing, this net-zero building will provide a gateway for external businesses and a base for local startups, aiming for completion by 2027.
“Doncaster is redefining itself post-deindustrialisation with over £50 million invested in regeneration,” stated Damian Allen, CEO, Doncaster City Council.
### South Yorkshire Strategy
The Digital Tech Hub integrates into South Yorkshire’s strategy for growing high-value sectors. Named the UK’s first Advanced Manufacturing Investment Zone in 2023, the region aims to stimulate R&D, attract private capital, and generate jobs, benefiting areas including Doncaster. The strategy leverages local strengths, offering a framework for innovation, crucial to Doncaster’s tech ecosystem.
Doncaster’s logistical prowess is another asset. iPort Doncaster, a cutting-edge logistics hub, provides extensive distribution capabilities and infrastructure, strategically located near major transport networks. Here, technologies like warehouse automation and optimization software are utilised for tangible benefits.
Skills development is key for Doncaster’s tech growth. University Campus Doncaster offers higher technical pathways in data analytics and cybersecurity, while Doncaster UTC provides young people with engineering and digital skills. Network Rail’s repurposing of a former college site retains critical skills in transport engineering locally.
Connectivity is vital for tech hubs. Doncaster aims to restore its international gateway through the “South Yorkshire Airport City” plan, backed by substantial government funding, with a reopening target of 2026 to reinstate global connections.
Gaining city status in 2022 enhanced Doncaster’s political leverage and identity, aiding in talent and capital attraction.
### Doncaster’s Tech Proposition
Doncaster’s tech ecosystem is industry-aligned, collaborative, skills-oriented, and locally rooted. This integrated approach offers early revenue prospects for companies, facilitates collaboration, and builds a robust talent pipeline. Industrial sites like iPort provide platforms for pioneering AI and low-carbon technologies.
### Challenges
Doncaster faces challenges in retaining talent and attracting investment, but efforts like the Digital Tech Hub mitigate these issues. The city must sustain project delivery beyond mere slogans, as the airport reopening will be crucial for attracting new businesses.
Ultimately, Doncaster is forging a unique tech cluster, leveraging its strengths in logistics and manufacturing. As the Digital Tech Hub launches and international connectivity resumes, Doncaster solidifies as an affordable, connected, industry-centric locale for tech firms poised for practical innovation. The city’s tech development is tangible, reflected in real assets, funded programmes, and a growing skills base.