Jefferson Sheard Architects appointed on multimillion pound Unity scheme

The joint venture partnership behind one of Yorkshire’s largest regeneration projects has appointed award-winning practice, Jefferson Sheard Architects, to commence design work on the 250-hectare (618-acre) scheme.

Unity, the mixed-use scheme located at Junction 5 of the M18 at Hatfield, Doncaster, is being delivered by joint venture partners Hargreaves Land and Waystone.

The scheme is set to deliver over 2 million sq.ft of employment space, 3,100 new homes, a new marina, school, transport hub and 80 hectares of open spaces. Over the next 20 years the development is expected to inject over £900m into the local economy and create up to 7,000 jobs.

Significant investment has been made in the creation of a new 2.9km link road which is due to complete before the end of 2020. The new road connects the M18 to Waggons Way next to the former Hatfield Colliery, improving access to the motorway network for residents in local communities.

Jefferson Sheard Architects has been established for 60 years and has offices in London, Peterborough, Manchester and Sheffield.

Commenting on the firm’s appointment, director, Mark Fannon, said;  “The sheer scale of the scheme makes it an exciting prospect for us, we are talking about a site bigger than Monaco. The Unity project gives us the rare opportunity to draw upon all our key sector experience and capability, across commercial, residential, transport and education combined in one development.”

Joe Dickeson, Jefferson Sheard Architects director added; “We are delighted to be part of the Hargreaves and Waystone team on this multifaceted project and we are committed to delivering high-quality design which will provide extensive commercial and residential opportunities contributing to the continued regeneration of this area of Doncaster.”

Andy Johnson, head of asset management at Hargreaves Land commented: “We look forward to drawing upon Jefferson Sheard’s extensive cross-sector expertise to help deliver quality design for the various elements of Unity. As one of the largest regeneration and infrastructure projects of its kind in the UK, Unity will deliver a new destination for both living and working in Yorkshire.”