Exact location STACK Bishop Auckland will open with bars and food

The owners of STACK Seaburn and founder of STACK Newcastle, the Danieli Group, revealed plans to open two further sites in County Durham on Thursday.

One inside the former Marks & Spencer on Silver Street in Durham and another on Newgate Street.

Read more: STACK to open sites in Bishop Auckland and Durham (and there's lots planned)

Promising to invest millions, STACK bosses said they will transform the area, creating hundreds of jobs between them.

And The Northern Echo can now reveal STACK Bishop Auckland will open across units 9 and 11, opposite the Newgate Street Shopping Centre.

The former WH Smith in Bishop Auckland forms part of the new site (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Those units were formerly occupied by a butcher's shop, WH Smiths and prior to its demolition, Mothercare.

The new venue will take shape as a new-build, with plans for a retractable roof, street food stalls, three bars and a central plaza area with a stage for live events.

Read more: Coalhouse Pub in Seaham reopened by mother and son duo

A spokesperson for STACK said: "Units 9 and 10 Newgate Street sit empty after the tenants, a local butcher and WH Smiths, vacated in early 2021.

"Both buildings are within the same property which comprises of a historic building which provides space across ground and first floors.

"Unit 11 Newgate Street is considered to be a gap site with no standing building after the decision was taken in December 2011 to demolish the irreparable existing building after a roof collapse. Historically the property was occupied by Mothercare."

The new site is set to open to punters in early 2024 with around 120 full and part-time jobs created.

Reacting Graham Soult, retail expert, said: "Well I think it's obviously good news, it is always good news when you get a big company wanting to invest in places and to improve them and create jobs.

"What's quite interesting in both places - it's going to be a version of what people have come to understand the STACK is, that's quite exciting. 

"In Durham, the idea of creating a STACK but in the form of a shell of a department store is really exciting."

Neill Winch, Chief Executive Officer of Danieli Group, hailed the projects as exciting for the areas.

He said: “Bishop Auckland is a town where we know we can contribute to local culture, jobs, enterprise, tourism and communities.

“We are in the business of transforming places, and we hope to be a catalyst for transformation in County Durham with a combined investment of more than £7 million.

“We believe STACK will be a huge asset in both locations and will also give independent businesses in the area the opportunity to be involved as well as supporting both the day time and night time economy.”

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming STACK to both Durham and Bishop Auckland.

“These exciting venues complement our ambitious plans to regenerate the county and attract visitors from far and wide as we shine a spotlight on all that County Durham has to offer.

“It’s fantastic that both areas have attracted this significant investment. With the plans set to create hundreds of jobs, it will help to boost the local economy.

“Meanwhile, the creation of these unique spaces that offer residents and visitors a combination of food and leisure will also help to revitalise Durham and Bishop Auckland, ensuring they remain attractive to those who live, work in and visit the areas.”

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