Thoughtful renewal of a cherished community asset

Doncaster Market has existed in its current location since CE43, with King Richard I granting its first charter in 1193. The Grade II listed present-day building dates to 1873 and combines Victorian classical architecture with a dome reminiscent of that on the Crystal Palace, with an elaborate interior featuring sumptuous decoration. It has a rich history from Elgar conducting the London Symphony Orchestra and a young Winston Churchill speaking about his experiences during the Boer War.

In 1994, the Corn Exchange suffered a devastating fire, and the subsequent refurbishment added a central mezzanine to increase the number of fixed trading stalls. By the time Group Ginger came to the scheme in 2018 it was in a precarious position. Shoppers had been lured away to other city centre retail offerings and units had only 40% occupancy, making it difficult for the existing traders to create a lively shopping environment. Group Ginger’s designs for the refurbishment remove the non-original and unsympathetic central mezzanine to open up the space, revealing heritage features and providing a flexible, open space to host a diverse range of events including pop up markets that would attract new audiences.

A book exchange on the first-floor balconies creates a casual, inviting and warm space for all ages, encouraging informal intergenerational interaction, and encouraging people to simply enjoy the space within the corn exchange without the need to buy anything.

A new timber feature staircase connects the ground floor to the International Food Market and first floor galleries, reinstating a sense of grandeur in the space. Lift access to the first floor balconies improves accessibility and inclusion, encouraging new users and uses. Tatty roller shutter shopfronts are replaced with a contemporary interpretation of a traditional Victorian bay shopfront, with an openable sliding sash frontage in keeping with traditional ‘trade-over’ market stalls.”

The plans in more detail include:

◦ Removal of central mezzanine to create open event / pop up trading space

◦ Creation of modern retail units in keeping with the heritage status of the building

◦ Accessibility to all levels within the Corn Exchange

◦ Connectivity with International Food Hall and Market Square

◦ New trader and event toilet facilities

◦ Sensitive refurbishment of the iconic Corn Exchange building – the oldest building within the Market Estate.