The Bishop Auckland Stronger Town Board was scheduled to consider updates on the progress of various regeneration projects, including the Bishop Gateway and Market Place Hotel developments. The board was also scheduled to discuss the reallocation of funds previously earmarked for the South Church Enterprise Park and review the programme's financial standing and key risks.

Programme Update

The board was scheduled to receive an overview of the programme's progress, which was transitioning into its delivery phase and was broadly aligned with aims for economic regeneration, town centre vitality, skills, and connectivity. However, the report pack indicated that key risks to the programme included financial pressures and project delays, with specific mention of the Bishop Gateway project facing challenges related to planning, procurement, and market factors. Governance had reportedly been strengthened through a review supported by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)¹, the appointment of a new Chair and Board members, and improved stakeholder engagement.

Looking ahead, the board was scheduled to consider securing planning determination and a funding agreement for the Bishop Gateway project to commence construction. It was also scheduled to agree on the reallocation of funding from the South Church Enterprise Park and resolve subsidy control and funding matters for the Market Place Hotel. The continued rollout of Property Reuse Fund (PRF 2) awards and the delivery of approved schemes were also on the agenda. Furthermore, the board was scheduled to develop a revised scope and programme for remaining Public Realm investment, finalise arrangements for Heritage Walking & Cycling Routes, and progress detailed design and planning for Tindale Triangle.

Financially, the Bishop Gateway project was noted to have budget pressures, with costs exceeding the original grant allocation, and the Town Deal Board (TAP)² was committed to contributing to any funding gap. The South Church Enterprise Park had lost £5.7 million in Durham County Council (DCC)³ capital funding, necessitating reallocation decisions. The Market Place Hotel's progression was dependent on the completion of a subsidy control assessment and legal advice. A Monitoring and Evaluation return for FY25/26 was submitted, awaiting feedback from the government.

Key milestones scheduled for completion included the Bishop Gateway planning determination by December 2026. The Market Place Hotel's demolition was completed, with structural works underway, though subsidy control and viability assessments remained outstanding. The Property Reuse Fund (PRF 2) was reported to be performing strongly, with 11 grant offers issued, 5 projects completed, and nearly 400 square metres of vacant floorspace brought back into use. The Public Realm Programme had delivered Market Place lighting and Finkle Street improvements, with remaining elements under review. Heritage Walking & Cycling Routes were progressing through design and assurance stages, and Tindale Triangle was progressing design development, with construction targeted for Summer 2027.

The report pack highlighted key risks, including financial viability and funding, with cost escalation and funding shortfalls for projects like Bishop Gateway and South Church noted as a Red risk. Programme delay and delivery was also a Red risk due to complex projects, planning approvals, and multi-stakeholder coordination. Legal and regulatory compliance, particularly regarding subsidy control and potential competition appeals tribunal proceedings, was an Amber risk. The market and delivery environment, including inflation and supply chain disruption, was also an Amber risk, as were site and technical constraints such as ground conditions and access issues. Stakeholder and reputational management was also an Amber/Green risk due to high public visibility and expectations.

Communications Update

The board was scheduled to receive an update on communications activity linked to the Stronger Towns Programme. This included social media coverage for projects such as the Artists' Hub, Lego Trail, PRF, and public spaces. A £30,000 marketing campaign was planned to increase visibility and confidence in the regeneration programme through hoardings, digital screens, and town centre branding. Upcoming communications opportunities were scheduled to include South Church and Coundongate junction improvements, active travel routes, Tindale crossing improvements, Bishop Gateway, and tackling derelict buildings. Engagement with the Strategic Advisory Panel was also scheduled to continue.

The report pack indicated that a £30,000 budget for physical marketing activity had been allocated to assets including hoardings around the Market Place Hotel site, digital display screens at the new Bishop Auckland Bus Station, and outdoor digital screens at various locations, as well as ad shells on bus shelters and lamppost graphics. The board was scheduled to be asked for direction on how to spend £2,500 saved from reducing the number of newsletter editions.

Wider Bishop Auckland Update

A verbal update was scheduled to be provided on wider Bishop Auckland matters. This was expected to include information on the Newgate Centre, for which a new Management Agent had been appointed to meet with tenants and explore future options. Regarding South Church Enterprise Park, the council was reportedly open to alternative funding models, and expressions of interest had been sought from investors. Updates on the STACK building were also anticipated, following the commissioning of an independent Structural Engineer to assess its condition.

Reallocation of Funds

A report was scheduled to follow regarding the reallocation of funds. This was understood to be in relation to the South Church Enterprise Park, which had lost significant capital funding. The board was scheduled to consider options for reinvesting these funds, potentially into enhancements for walking and cycling routes, public realm improvements, further investment in the Property Reuse Fund, or investment in Newgate Street.

Matters to Share with Public

The board was scheduled to have an opportunity to suggest what information should be shared with the public. This was expected to include explanations regarding the pedestrian crossing at Tindale Retail Park, the appointment of new agents for the Newgate Centre, and an update on the status of the STACK.

The next meeting was scheduled to take place on Thursday 24 September 2026.