Doncaster

Doncaster ( /ˈdɒŋkæstə/, /ˈdɒŋkəstə/ or /ˈdɒŋkɑːstə/, Old English: Donne ceaster) is a town in South Yorkshire, England, and the principal settlement of the Metropolitan Borough of Doncaster. Historically within the West Riding of Yorkshire, the town is about 20 miles (32 km) from Sheffield and is popularly referred to as "Donny". Doncaster has an international airport. In recent years, its centre has undergone regeneration including the development of an Education City campus, currently the largest education investment of its kind in the UK. Doncaster has also recently extended the Frenchgate Centre, a shopping centre and transport interchange.

Over the last few years, the Doncaster Lakeside, which is home to the Doncaster Rovers ground, has undergone major development. With the opening of the Lakeside Village, a major retail outlet with some 45 retail shops and restaurants, the area is becoming more attractive to tourists.

Currently, there is a major rejuvination of Doncaster's Waterdale shopping precinct with the erection of a brand new purpose built 'Council House' to replace the current 'Coal House' complex, and a modern arts and entertainment venue to replace the Civic Theatre.

According to the 2001 census, the urban sub-area of Doncaster had a population of 67,977. Together with Bentley and Armthorpe, it forms an urban area with a population of 127,851. According to the 2011 census, the estimated population of the Metropolitan Borough of Doncaster is 302,400.