A first image of how the new Stack development will look in Bishop Auckland has been revealed as work on the site prepares to get under way.
Councillors approved plans for the purpose-built food and drink set-up in the County Durham town in March and demolition is now due to start on the former WH Smith and Mothercare stores in Newgate Street to make way for what is set to be a boost to the local social scene. In the meantime the leisure operators behind it have released a CGI image showing how Stack will look once construction is complete.
Fans of the original container village set-up in Newcastle will recognise its trademark appearance and the two-storey building, which boasts a roof terrace, is shown with inviting extra touches of greenery and fairylights within. And the bright and modern new-build will house a mix of local independent food traders and bars.
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It also will contain space for a variety of live entertainment as well as "all the elements that have become part of Stack’s signature brand, with the belief that it will help boost the local economy as a whole," says a spokeswoman.
Neill Winch, Stack's chief executive officer, said the just-released image will give residents a real flavour of what they can expect, adding: “We know a lot of people are very curious about how Stack Bishop Auckland will fit into the area.
“We are very excited about what this will mean for Bishop Auckland and we have already had an incredibly positive response to the development. We are looking forward to getting started and bringing this plan to fruition.”
The intention is for Stack to be ready to open by spring 2024. The development is being supported by the Future High Streets Fund, as part of Durham County Council’s wider regeneration plan to revitalise the town centre. Coun Elizabeth Scott, the council's cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We are very pleased with the first glimpse of how Stack is going to look on Newgate Street.
“Unlike other Stack venues, Bishop Auckland’s will be built within an existing development but it will still be very much recognisable as a Stack venue." She said they are looking forward to seeing it on the high street as part of the plans to regenerate the town and added: "The new leisure offer will serve as a vibrant attraction, highlighting the town as a lively destination, bringing in visitors from all over the County Durham and beyond."
Since the Newcastle branch of Stack closed last May, to allow redevelopment of its Pilgrim Street site for the new HMRC office, the brand - which also has a popular site in Seaburn - has been out to expand, with plans soon in the pipeline for outlets in Durham, Middlesbrough and also beyond the region in Lincoln and Carlisle.
Its Newcastle return is now planned for Worswick Chambers in Pilgrim Street this December, after initial plans for a location in the Stephenson Quarter behind the Central Station were shelved following local objections.
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