A County Durham town’s regeneration plans have been given a boost after the local authority snapped up its shopping centre in a £3.31m deal.
Durham County Council has swooped for Bishop Auckland ’s shopping complex the Newgate Centre amid moves to breathe new life into the town, having already teamed up with partners to transform the area. Now it says it is already in talks with retail and leisure firms regarding opportunities within the centre, while also pledging investment, inside and out.
The authority said it also hopes its purchase of the centre, which has 13 retailers, will act as a catalyst for further inward investment in the town, opening up significant opportunities for development. It follows the council securing £19.9m of Government funding for Bishop Auckland town centre through the Future High Streets Fund, with cash earmarked for projects including a new bus station and additional car parking, as well as a scheme to bring vacant properties back into use.
