Have your say on plans for Bishop Auckland

The Bishop Auckland Stronger Towns Board, of which we are 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.

Projects under development 

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.

'Exciting regeneration plans' 

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.

Investing in the community 

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."

How to have your say 

As well as an online survey, a number of drop-in sessions are available for people to attend. Our representatives 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 9.00am until 12.30pm
• Tuesday 8 November, from 1.00pm until 4.30pm
• Thursday 10 November, from 9.00am until 12.30pm
• Friday 11 November, from 1.00pm until 4.00pm
• Tuesday 15 November, from 1.00pm until 4.30pm

An event will also be taking place on Thursday 10 November from 6.00pm until 8.00pm at Bishop Auckland Town Hall.