Event held to mark groundbreaking of £32m AI tech hub due to be completed in January 2027
Leaders in tech from across the UK attended a special event in Doncaster last week to mark the groundbreaking of Gateway One – a £32m digital tech hub due to be completed in 2027. The 4,830m2 (52,000 square feet) facility will being together leading AI companies and local tech businesses, with tools provided by global entrepreneurs.
Photo courtesy of City of Doncaster Council
Among those in attendance were Lord Ranger of Northwood, the co-chair of the all-party parliamentary group on AI. There were also representatives from leading AI company Automated Analytics – already based in Doncaster and anchor tenants of Gateway One. The company plans to create an AI incubator providing vital support to early-stage ventures.
Doncaster, which achieved city status in 2022, is now recognised as an emerging Centre of Excellence for AI and the Gateway One initiative is part of a wider plan to become an AI Growth Zone, unlocking inward investment, creating jobs and supporting the aspirations set out in the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan.
Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, says: ‘There is significant momentum and interest behind Doncaster’s fast growing AI industry, with Gateway One providing a new home for early-stage companies to locate and scale. The fact that our Gateway One development is attracting interest from global companies is a testament to the success of current Doncaster companies succeeding here such as Automated Analytics, who are shining a spotlight on the City’s unique ecosystem engineered to drive growth and deliver opportunities for our residents and businesses.’
Mark Taylor, Founder and CEO Automated Analytics, adds: ‘Gateway One will be the centrepiece of Doncaster’s AI and tech industry, and we are proud to be the anchor tenants. By creating an AI Incubator for early-stage ventures and founders at Gateway One, we will be enhancing the City’s thriving ecosystem which has been instrumental in our success, from talent to partnerships with universities and spearheading AI adoption with local and regional businesses. This is just the start of our journey to become an AI Growth Zone and help this government unleash the full potential of AI to drive inward investment and economic growth for Doncaster and the UK.’
Lord Ranger of Northwood says: ‘Gateway One is a critical piece of the plan to make Doncaster a key digital hub in the UK and globally. Having been part of, and supported the development of, city-based technology hubs which have generated innovation, business growth, jobs and skills, and fundamentally improved quality of life for local citizens in various parts of the UK, I am delighted to support Doncaster in its ambition. I am pleased to see local businesses and the local council working together to capitalise on the opportunity to become an AI Growth Zone and focused on delivering an exciting future for the city.’
Chris Yates, Yorkshire Director at developer Willmott Dixon, adds: ‘This is a project all about driving momentum in the City of Doncaster and there is a shared commitment that cutting-edge and sustainable innovation will be a catalyst for creating local opportunities. With the support of our local supply chain partners, our team have already delivered 208 hours of employment support initiatives for Doncaster people from barriered backgrounds. Alongside Doncaster Skills Academy, this includes weekly training towards real qualifications, site visits and advice on routes into construction employment for those furthest from the jobs market.
‘We’ve also proud to be working with local schools and colleges to inspire and introduce students to careers in construction, working with Hatchell Wood Primary Academy, Ash Hill Academy, Rossington All Saints Academy, Doncaster UTC and Doncaster College.’
Sally Jameson, MP for Doncaster Central, says: ‘This is a landmark moment for Doncaster. We are a proud city with strong industrial roots, and today’s groundbreaking heralds a new era of innovation, tech, and AI excellence in our city. Gateway One will anchor the AI industry here in our city centre and bring fantastic opportunities for homegrown talent – good for jobs, good for businesses, good for growth in Doncaster.’
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