New mural in Bishop Auckland in bid to revitalise area

The creative design is underway at the former C. Cooper Sons Bingo and Amusements on Fore Bondgate, Bishop Auckland, following the demolition of the entertainment venue. 

Work to demolish the building began in July last year, following proposals to create a new public space, including seating areas and greenery.

Jackie Stonehouse working on the mural (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

After the demolition, the gap between Fore Bondgate from North Bondgate has improved connectivity - making it easier for visitors to access the range of independent shops and businesses in both areas.

And the area has now undergone a lick of paint, in the form of a mural courtesy of artists Jackie Stonehouse and Lewis Hobson - who have been commissioned to add some vibrancy to the area.

The mural has almost been completed on Fore Bondgate in Bishop Auckland (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The mural, which depicts butterflies, flowers, and bees once it's complete over the coming week, will eventually be joined by wildflowers and a seating area where people in Bishop Auckland can enjoy the mural and the green space. 

Starting the project a little earlier this year, Jackie hopes it lifts people's spirits and has opened up about how many compliments she has had about the mural so far. 

After the mural has been completed, flowers and benches will be added to create a green space (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

She said: "We started off with a dilapidated stretch of wall where the amusements centre used to be, and we have built up to be this piece of art. 

"People seem to enjoy what we've been doing - we want to lift people's spirits with the mural, and hope the space can be used for a quiet and relaxing part of Bishop Auckland for people.

Jackie has worked on the piece with fellow artist Lewis Hobson (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

"It helps improve the entranceway into Fore Bondgate, and helps promote Bishop Auckland as a creative place."

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While Jackie says that she has enjoyed the project, the changeable weather hasn't helped her over the last few weeks, with any windy weather acting as a 'wind-tunnel' between North Bondgate and Fore Bondgate.

She added: "I've loved transforming this part of Bishop Auckland. Me and Lewis have different styles - I use a brush and Lewis uses spray paint cans - and they combine to make this, almost, interactive, piece of work.

"The two styles bring to life the bees and butterflies on the mural."