Bishop Auckland progresses £25m bid for town transformation

Work to secure a grant to revitalise a County Durham market town has continued despite disruption caused by COVID-19.

A newly formed board is working remotely on the multi-million pound bid from the government’s Stronger Towns Fund to secure investment for Bishop Auckland.

The inaugural meeting of the Bishop Auckland Strong Town Board - a range of partners brought together by Durham County Council - took place this week via video conferencing.

Board members include county council representatives, Bishop Auckland Town Council, Bishop Auckland College, The Auckland Project, Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership, Job Centre Plus, Brighter Bishop Auckland Partnership, North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and believe housing.

In addition, a range of business leaders have been invited onto the board, along with Bishop Auckland MP Dehenna Davison.

Part of a £1.6bn government programme, the funds would enhance the town’s infrastructure, providing training and skills for local people as well as investment in digital capabilities.

Cllr Carl Marshall, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, commented: “As the nation comes together to meet the challenge presented by the Coronavirus pandemic, we are working with regional partners and lobbying the Government to provide support to County Durham businesses and high streets.

“It is also vital that we continue to pursue opportunities such as the Stronger Towns Fund to secure additional investment for towns like Bishop Auckland.

“I am pleased the board meeting was able to take place and I look forward to working with our partners to develop a robust funding application.”