Willmott Dixon has landed its sixth project in Doncaster in three years, with a £15 million contract from Doncaster Council to deliver the town’s new Central Library and Museum.

The transformational project on the junction of Waterdale and Chequer Road in Doncaster town centre sees four existing buildings - Doncaster Central Library, Doncaster Archives in Balby, Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery, and the Library Services for Schools at Top Road, Barnby Dun - consolidated into a cutting edge cultural and learning centre featuring a new library, rail heritage centre, art gallery and museum.

Overseen by Doncaster Council and designed by the architect Bond Bryan, the cultural and learning centre will retain and restore the central frontage of the former Hall Cross Girls School building. It will be encased in a glass façade to showcase an iconic part of Doncaster’s architectural heritage.

When completed in summer 2020, the new space will help support the local and creative economy by providing opportunities for young people and small business owners to develop skills that help build a successful career.

It’s close to another scheme Willmott Dixon is building called Lakeside Triangle, which will feature food brands such as Costa, Taco Bell, TGI Fridays, Dunkin Donuts, Estabulo, Urban Fresh Burgers and Fries, Creams Desserts and Burger King.

This latest contract adds to a series of schemes in Doncaster by the company. The company is currently delivering Doncaster Wool Market, which is getting a major overhaul and will open at the end of March. Last year, Willmott Dixon completed the National College of High Speed Rail, which is playing a key role in upskilling workers on the UK’s future high-speed rail network and other large infrastructure projects.

It also recently completed Doncaster XP, a new 450 place secondary school for the Education Funding Agency, and is behind a series of projects to create affordable homes in Doncaster over nine sites.

Projects for Doncaster Council have been procured via Scape’s Major Works framework, which has since been superseded by Major Works - England & Northern Ireland, part of Scape’s National Construction framework. The framework, alongside Willmott Dixon, ensures projects deliver benefits to the local economy including local spend, labour and community activities, such as spending most of the project budget on companies located within 40 miles.

Anthony Dillon, managing director of Willmott Dixon in the North said: “We are delighted to have such an important role creating projects that are shaping Doncaster’s future for many decades to come. Each one will attract new investment and create jobs that support Doncaster’s growth plans.”

Cllr Bill Mordue, Doncaster Council’s Cabinet Member for Business, Skills and Economic Development:

“The new Central Library and Museum project is one of many schemes we are on the ground and delivering as part of our comprehensive and ambitious Urban Centre Masterplan. We are transforming Doncaster, making it a highly desirable place to live, work, visit and invest in.”

Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, commented: “Scape and Willmott Dixon have a strong and ongoing relationship with Doncaster Council, with a proven track record of delivering much-needed programmes in the area.

“Our delivery partner, Willmott Dixon, has played a key role to support Doncaster Council in the regeneration of the local area, providing upgraded community facilities and affordable housing. By utilising our framework Doncaster Council has ensured cost-effective and efficient project delivery, while ensuring local suppliers benefit from the inward investment.”