CG images reveal first look at new County Durham travel hub ahead of construction

Work is to begin soon on a new bus station and improved car parking facilities in Bishop Auckland.

Durham County Council will commence preparatory work for the development next month, after councillors approved plans for the new bus station earlier in the summer.

The current bus station on Saddler Street will close after last services on Sunday September 10 and buses will temporarily start operating from Tenters Street and Newgate Street from Monday September 11. For other road users on Tenters Street and Newgate Street, alternative loading and parking locations will be available.

In 2020, the council successfully bid for £11.8m of funding from the Future High Streets Fund to improve Bishop Auckland’s transport and parking facilities.

The new bus station will be modern and fit for purpose, helping support businesses by attracting visitors to the town, address shortages in car parking and also increase footfall into the town centre once complete.

The development is a part of the council’s wider plans to bring new life to the town centre through a range of regeneration-led improvements, focusing on leisure and recreation. This includes repurposing and reopening vacant properties, walking and cycling improvements and improving public spaces in the town.

Cllr James Rowlandson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for resources, investment and assets, commented: “We are looking forward to beginning work on this project and appreciate people’s patience whilst the work is carried out.

“Plans to improve sustainable transport and parking in Bishop Auckland are key aspects of our ambitions to regenerate the town. We are committed to ensuring the new bus station becomes a thriving and attractive hub to everyone who lives and works in, and visits, the area.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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