Preparations are set to kick off in the near future for the construction of a fresh bus station and enhanced car parking amenities in Bishop Auckland.
Following the summer approval of the new bus station plans by the council members, Durham County Council is scheduled to initiate the preliminary work for this project starting next month.
The current bus station on Saddler Street will close after last services on Sunday 10 September and buses will temporarily start operating from Tenters Street and Newgate Street from Monday 11 September.
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 £11.8 million 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, said: “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.”
Details of where to board each bus will be on display in the current shelters with further information available online at www.durham.gov.uk/bishopaucklandbusstation
There may also be minor changes to service timetables which can be found at www.durham.gov.uk/busmap
For more information on the regeneration projects which are underway to revitalise the town, visit www.bishopaucklandregeneration.com/projects
