Residents and businesses in Bishop Auckland are being urged to have their say on a range of projects aimed at helping to regenerate the town centre.
The Bishop Auckland Stronger Towns Board, of which Durham County Council is a member, has developed a series of plans supporting the £43.2 million investment that was secured to drive economic growth across the community.
This will see more than £10 million of improvements to the town centre and to the road
network at Tindale Crescent.
Current projects under development include Market Place improvements to allow for
events and new cycle hub facilities. A property reuse fund is also being prepared to reduce
the number of empty properties on streets surrounding the Market Place.
Other projects would see funding used towards redeveloping 41 and 42 Market Place into
a 60-bedroom boutique hotel to offer accommodation to Bishop Auckland’s growing
tourism economy, alongside the introduction of an artists’ hub and the creation of more
training and employment opportunities for young people in the town centre.
Meanwhile, improvements to the road network at Tindale Crescent will help to reduce
traffic delays and allow the next phase of development to move forward more quickly.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “This is a great
opportunity for residents, shoppers and businesses to let us know what is important to
them as we continue to drive forward our exciting regeneration plans for Bishop Auckland.
“It is important to us that the town centre becomes a thriving hub, offering many
opportunities and facilities for all those who live, work in and visit the community. To create
somewhere that works for everyone, we would encourage as many people as possible to
share their views on what is being proposed.”
Proposals for regeneration across Bishop Auckland have been set out to build on the
Town Centre Masterplan as well as the Town Investment Plan.
Residents and businesses have already made significant contributions to both of these
plans, and it is hoped they will also have their say on the latest exciting plans for the town.
David Land, chair of the Stronger Towns Board, said: “Since we’ve received confirmation
of government funding, the board has been focussing on what more we can do to help
regenerate the town.
“Already this year, the Stronger Towns Board has approved projects to build new small
business workspaces on the South Church Enterprise Park, as well as the introduction of
new training facilities in Newgate Street managed and run by Bishop Auckland College.
This is in addition to further investments in the town’s walking and cycling network,
improving accessibility for walkers and cyclists.
“These latest projects complement the work proposed under the Future High Street
Programme and should help to restore the vibrancy of the town for both residents and
visitors alike.”
As well as an online survey, a number of drop-in sessions are available for people to
attend. Representatives from Durham County Council will be on hand at these events to
explain the proposed projects as well as how they link with the existing programme of
improvements that are underway.
These are being held at 43 Newgate Street on the following dates:
Friday 4 November, from 9am until 12.30pm
Tuesday 8 November, from 1pm until 4.30pm
Thursday 10 November, from 9am until 12.30pm
Friday 11 November, from 1pm until 4pm
Tuesday 15 November, from 1pm until 4.30pm
Residents can also have their say until 5pm on Monday 21 November by visiting
Further information on the various projects taking place across the town can be found at
www.bishopaucklandregeneration.com
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