Modern Doncaster by if1

Modern Doncaster

193 - Over 40 years ago, an Arndale shopping centre was opened in the heart of Doncaster. Since then it has grown substantially, and following a change of ownership become the Frenchgate Centre.

It's latest extension began in 2004, with the demolition of the northern bus station and a neighbouring tower block of offices, and the Frenchgate centre was extended westwards towards the railway station.

A new bus station was built beside the railway station with shops above it, and across a raft over a dual carriageway. This marked a significant increase in the overall size of the shopping centre, and the whole extension and bus station were opened in 2006.

This shot shows part of the refurbished east side and one of the entrances to the centre, seen from High Street.

I would add that I'm not a fan of shopping, particularly in large anonymous shopping centres, but this has a very pleasant interior, a good bookshop, and along one of the Malls a fascinating display of photographs of Doncaster before the 1960s redevelopment.
I've heard of the Frenchgate Centre, thanks for the image and the info :)
September 14th, 2012  
Yes, I'd heard of this too.
September 14th, 2012  
Wonderful pov and shot! :)
September 14th, 2012  
Certainly modern !
September 14th, 2012  
Thank you for following me I really appreciate it and hope we`ll enjoy each others pic for a long time
September 14th, 2012  
Impressive capture Ian and great background information.
September 15th, 2012  
Nice modern architecture against the other grey buildings around it.
September 15th, 2012  
What nice looking building
September 15th, 2012  
cool shot and info
September 15th, 2012  
Great history!
September 15th, 2012  
@doodlerdeb

Thank you Debra - it was certainly quite busy when I passed through!
September 15th, 2012  
@collin

Thank you, it's a popular centre, but like most shopping centres, I try to avoid it!
September 15th, 2012  
@paintdipper

Thank you Junan, glad you like it!
September 15th, 2012  
@ruthmouch

Thank you Ruth - it's modern, but not ugly modern like some other shopping centres I've had the misfortune to visit!
September 15th, 2012  
@pyrrhula

Thank you Pyrrhula - I'm sure we will enjoy each others pics for a long time to come!
September 15th, 2012  
@tonydebont

Thank you Tony, glad you like it!
September 15th, 2012  
@marieooi

Thank you Marie, this is a rather more attractive piece of modern architecture than many I've seen!
September 15th, 2012  
@bkbinthecity

Thank you Brian, it's certainly better looking than many other modern buildings I've seen!
September 15th, 2012  
@steeler

Thank you Howard, glad you like it!
September 15th, 2012  
@petaqui

Thank you Petaqui, glad you enjoyed it!
September 15th, 2012  
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