The creation of a new shopping retail park will benefit the future prospects of a struggling town centre, officials have said. 

Work to create the new complex at Tindale Crescent in Bishop Auckland is ongoing, with food outlets Burger King and Domino’s Pizza among others as well as a cinema and bowling centre expected to open next year. 

The multi-million Fieldon Bridge project will bring more national and local brands to the town, while also adding another complex next to the existing retail park. 

But instead of driving customers away from the town centre, local politicians and officials in charge of the redevelopment believe it will attract more visitors to the area who will visit both the town centre and out-of-town retail parks.

Read more: Burger King and Domino's outlets announced for new County Durham retail park

The Northern Echo: How the new retail parking at Tindale Crescent in Bishop Auckland could look How the new retail parking at Tindale Crescent in Bishop Auckland could look (Image: The Northern Echo)

It comes as Durham County Council progresses plans to demolish and build a new bus station in the town centre to attract more visitors. Millions of pounds are also being invested in turning the derelict Newgate Street - the main shopping area - into a new tourist destination by opening a new STACK venue and creating a public square. 

The significant investment is part of a widespread redevelopment programme throughout Bishop Auckland, which includes funding from the Auckland Project and has already helped redevelop the historic town hall, Auckland Castle and Spanish Gallery. 

It all points to a positive future for Bishop Auckland despite current local concerns, says David Land, chairman of the Stronger Towns Fund. “We’re improving the south end of the town by getting the Tindale development up and running, and are now focusing on the north end of the town,” he said. 

The Northern Echo: Three buildings on Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, are to be demolished to create a tree-lined public access to a new car park on a brownfield wasteland.Three buildings on Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, are to be demolished to create a tree-lined public access to a new car park on a brownfield wasteland. (Image: The Auckland Project)

Elsewhere, three buildings on Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, are to be demolished to create a tree-lined public access to a new car park on a brownfield wasteland. This will clean up what Historic England calls “an ugly back land space” and allow the creation of the 'Kingsway Quarter' in the derelict but historic buildings that surround it. It is hoped the transformation will be complete by next Easter.

Surrounded by buildings of historical significance, it will revitalise and repurpose the area as a place for people to visit, live, work, dine and shop. “The outcome will be a truly mixed-use circular community in the heart of Bishop Auckland,” said Steven Bowyer, The Auckland Project’s head of regeneration. 

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The Northern Echo: There are current several empty units on Newgate Street - but it is hoped new investment will help change the face of the town centre There are current several empty units on Newgate Street - but it is hoped new investment will help change the face of the town centre (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

There are also plans to reintroduce a town centre manager-type role to help manage the area and attract events and visitors, which will increase footfall.

Mr Land added: “We hope to build the community back, and we want people around the town to use the spaces. It’s an easy hit but it needs time and attention. 

“For too long, Bishop Auckland has been a town that’s been used as a town in decline. The money that we’ve got through levelling up and the private sector is just the trigger to try and get events back on and we’re looking towards the positives. 

“Small business owners are going to benefit, and the people from the town will get their community back. Bishop will start to look like it did in the 50s and 60s.”