Member Article

Bishop Auckland art gallery brushes up with council backing

Bishop Auckland’s Bondgate Gallery is one of a number of small businesses to have taken advantage of support from Durham County Council.

Art gallery owner Lynn Talbot was able to refurbish the business entirely after securing £10,000 from the council, as part of its Targeted Business Improvement (TBI) Funding Scheme for the area.

Lynn, who owns the gallery on Fore Bondgate in the town centre, said: “We’ve just done a big renovation project to create a new gallery space as well as space for workshops within the gallery.

“The whole project has cost £30,000 but we simply wouldn’t have been able to do it without the assistance from the council, it’s been a huge help.

“I would certainly encourage other local businesses to take advantage of this support. There is so much going on in Bishop Auckland at the minute, it is an exciting time for us as a town and it’s the perfect time to upgrade or improve your business – to become part of that transformation.”

The TBI fund is designed to help businesses in Bishop Auckland to expand or improve their premises and is open for applications until March 2019.

Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council Cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, added: “This a fantastic opportunity for businesses in Bishop Auckland to become part of the regeneration of the town centre and get help to improve their businesses.

“We’re delighted to be able to help and are keen to spread the word that this financial support is available, so that more businesses can benefit.”