New Bishop Auckland bus station due to open in December 2025

Work on the major council-led project to build the new transport hub in Bishop Auckland is progressing, as extensive groundwork continues. 

The town’s former Saddler Street bus station closed in September 2023 and local services were diverted to Tenters Street and Newgate Street. 

Durham County Council said the bus station and car park development is part of a wider plan to redevelop Bishop Auckland town centre.

Bishop Auckland bus station (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

It is hoped the new hub will support businesses by attracting visitors to Bishop Auckland, address shortages in car parking, and increase the number of people using the town.

In an update this week, Durham County Council said the development is on track. Rachael Smith, section manager for transport and infrastructure, said: “We continue to make good progress at the Bishop Auckland bus station site and the programme is on track to be completed by December 2025. 

“Extensive groundworks are currently underway alongside the construction of an electrical substation. Once complete, this will allow for the new bus station terminal building works to start.

“Creating a modern, fit-for-purpose bus station is a key part of our ambitious proposals to regenerate the town and make it a thriving and attractive hub to everyone who lives, works in, and visits the area.”

What will be built?

• An external bus station to the north, comprising individual bus shelters per stand 
• A public car park to the south 
• Pedestrian area to the east, adjacent to the Newgate Shopping Centre

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How the new bus station could look (Image: Durham County Council)

“An improved bus station would replace the existing, low-quality bus station and provide the local community with up-to-date facilities and a safe and welcoming environment for all passengers travelling to and from the town,” the local authority said. “We hope it will improve journey quality and increase visitor numbers and trade in the town.

“There will be less disruption and cost with rebuilding on the same site, rather than on a new one, and most of the construction work will be kept inside the site boundary, which will reduce the effect on surrounding roads.

“The new car park will help to reduce pressure on residential areas when visitor numbers increase for cultural events such as the food festival, Kynren, and the local attractions.”