Doncaster iPort

In 2006 developer HelioSlough began a public consultation around their proposals to create a rail freight depot west of Rossington.

[3][4] The project was shortlisted as one of 15 potential sites in the UK for a new town development in 2008,[5] by 2009 the scope of the plan had been reduced to a five thousand home 'eco-village'.

In January 2010 local MPs Caroline Flint (Don Valley) and Jeffrey Ennis (Barnsley East and Mexborough) voiced their support for the plan.

[9] In June 2011 developers Helios Europe, Shepherd Aligned and Segro entered into a joint agreement to develop the site, which would be road connected via the £18 million Finningley and Rossington Regeneration Route Scheme (FARRRS) road scheme,[note 3] and be built for international trade, with customs clearance.

[18] In 2013 the successor company to Helios Europe, Verdion obtained financial backing for its projects through Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).

[19] HOOPP planned to invest €1 billion in European logistics facilities through Verdion including the £400 million "iPort Doncaster" development.

[32] In addition to the rail terminal, track work, and road access further civil engineering works was required as part of the plan, mainly environmental mitigation, including diversion of St. Catherine's Well Stream, landscaping, flood mitigation and drainage, footpaths, cyclepaths and bridleways.