Partner Article

Bishop Auckland regeneration begins with historic Grade II listed building transformation

An historic building in the centre of Bishop Auckland is set to be given a new lease of life, marking the beginning of the tourism-led regeneration of the town.

The Auckland Castle Trust says the work at the Grade II listed building at 10 Market Place is the start of “big changes” that will bring jobs, prosperity and a renewed sense of hope.

The Trust is planning to spend around £150k on making the boarded up Georgian property known as Roper House on the corner of Market Place and Castle Chare, watertight and windproof.

It is the first visible sign of the Trust’s pledge to breathe new life into Bishop Auckland on the back of its ambitious plans to turn the former palace of England’s only Prince Bishops into a world class tourist destination.

Liz Fisher, Auckland Castle Trust’s Operations Director, said: “The work at Roper House marks the start of big changes for Bishop Auckland that will bring more tourists, shoppers and businesses into the town.

“We are confident the plans we have for Auckland Castle and the stunning new Eleven Arches Night Show will revitalise this part of Durham and invigorate what was once a prosperous market town.

“The Trust is passionate about creating something special here in Bishop Auckland, and the Roper House project should be seen as an encouraging sign and show people that things are now moving in the right direction after three years of planning and consultation.

“The Market Place is an important historical area with many beautiful buildings, but sadly Roper House was in need of a helping hand.

“The work now gives us an excellent opportunity to give this building a new lease of life, learn more about its history and bring it back into sustainable use.”

The Auckland Castle Trust has taken out a 125 year lease on Roper House, which for more than 160 years from the turn of the 19th century was home to a succession of legal firms. It was then used as offices until the 1980s, but has remained empty ever since.

It retains many of its original features, however, including the stairs, a number of the doors and architraves and panelling in some of the downstairs rooms.

The work – which will include repointing, a new roof, and replacement and renovation of the windows, as well as the removal of later additions at the rear of the property – are being carried out by established Bishop Auckland construction firm, T Manners & Sons Ltd, which has itself been in the town for 155 years.

Alan Crawford, Commercial Director for the company, said the contract would secure the jobs of its 60-plus strong workforce, including six apprentices.

“We are delighted to be working with the Auckland Castle Trust, especially as we have always supported its ambitions for the town.

“It is fantastic to be helping to bring a prominent historical building back into use, and to have the opportunity to work on what is such a significant project, marking as it does the beginning of greater things to come.”

It has not yet been decided to what use Roper House will be put once the building work is complete, but it is likely to be an administration hub.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →