The Bishop Auckland Stronger Town Board met to discuss the progress of various regeneration projects in the town, including the Bishop Gateway project, the Artist Hub, and the Market Place Hotel. The board approved releasing revenue funding to increase the physical marketing visibility of the Stronger Towns Programme across Bishop Auckland, and also agreed to transform the Strategic Advisory Panel into a rotating, workshop-style forum. The board also discussed governance updates, including the terms of reference and a strategic advisory panel proposal.

Communications and Marketing

The board agreed to release a small amount of revenue funding to Durham County Council's marketing team to increase the physical marketing visibility of the Stronger Towns Programme across Bishop Auckland. The aim is to raise awareness among residents, businesses, and visitors about the progress being made with the various regeneration projects.

Potential marketing activities include:

• Town-centre display boards highlighting key Stronger Towns projects
• Large-format posters or vinyl wraps in shop windows, vacant units, bus shelters, or the bus station
• Branded hoardings around construction sites to connect physical works with the Stronger Towns programme
• Pop-up information points at markets, community venues and local events
• Printed project maps and updates distributed through libraries, community centres, the college, and local businesses
• Street banners or lamp-post graphics marking major milestones

The communications update report noted that a press release and social media messages were being drafted to highlight progress across the programme and introduce the three new board members. A short social media video is also planned, featuring each new member introducing themselves.

Strategic Advisory Panel

The board approved a proposal to transform the Strategic Advisory Panel (SAP) into a workshop-style event, to be held in different venues across the town, particularly those that have benefited from Stronger Towns or broader regeneration investment. The BA SAP proposal DEC11 document suggested potential venues including the McIntyre Centre and the Artists' Hub.

The key features of the redesigned SAP are:

• Workshop-style engagement rather than a traditional meeting format
• Rotating venues across Bishop Auckland showcasing progress
• Broader attendance from residents, businesses, cultural groups, voluntary organisations, and education partners
• Project leads providing visual updates (photos, maps, plans, before-and-after images, videos, milestone timelines)
• Dedicated Q&A sessions to strengthen dialogue and transparency
• A more open, inclusive, and accessible platform for local voices

The redesigned SAP will be held one week after each Stronger Towns Board meeting. The chair and project leads will brief the SAP on decisions, progress, and key messages before information is shared more widely. The content shared at SAP will inform and shape the press releases, social media content, and public updates that follow.

Programme Updates

The Public reports pack included updates on the following projects:

Bishop Gateway/ESAC

Significant technical work is continuing to ensure pre-planning studies are in place, with the planning application programmed for submission in January 2026. BAM Nuttall has been appointed to the Principal Design Role and the design is now frozen. A funding extension request has been submitted and accepted. Public consultation closed on Friday 14 November 2025, with 91% of respondents supportive or very supportive, and 97% viewing plans to regenerate the town as positive.

Town Centre Diversification - Artist Hub

The Artist Hub is now open, offering exhibition space, equipped kilns, and a programme of events. Bishop Auckland College is providing Level 3 courses in Art, Photography, and Ceramics, as well as a Level 3 Seamstress and Costume Design Programme. Local artists and groups are already engaged, including Jack Drum Arts, Ferryhill Brass Band, Sketching Club and Young Artists Club.

Town Centre Diversification - The Auckland Project Market Place Hotel

Planning permission was approved in September 2025, with the design adapted to reflect advice from Durham County Council Heritage Officer. Demolition is underway, with construction scheduled to commence in the new year. The 59-bedroom hotel is expected to be complete in April 2027 and open in May 2027.

Town Centre Diversification - Durham County Council PRF 2

Following the success of FHSF PRF 1, the Stronger Town Board agreed to realign £1.2m from TCD Public Realm works into PRF 2. Four grant offer letters have been issued, with two schemes progressing to full award, creating five jobs. Eight schemes are progressing, seeking to take up the remaining grant available.

South Church Enterprise Park

Durham County Council funding has been withdrawn following a capital review. Alternative funding and delivery options are currently being explored.

Town Centre Diversification - Public Realm

The board agreed to switch to a temporary experimental arrangement to provide funding for PRF2. The reduced scheme has been approved by the Stronger Towns Board. Market Place lighting is largely complete, with York Stone paving delivery delayed until January 2026. Instructions have been given to pause until the Strategic Place Plan consultation is concluded, and then coordinate with regeneration colleagues on scope.

Heritage Walking and Cycling / Tindale

Following an initial detailed design, the proposed route would be very challenging to deliver, so an alternative route linking to wider tourism, retail, education nodes and the Stockton & Darlington Railway route is being developed. The cabinet member has agreed in principle to additional devolution funding being utilised to compliment this scheme, subject to approval in September Cabinet.

Governance Updates

The board discussed updates to the terms of reference and a strategic advisory panel proposal.