Residents and businesses are being asked to give their views on the town’s ongoing redevelopment programme in a bid to transform its dilapidated high street.

Work is currently underway on several projects across the town as part of Durham County Council’s scheme to transform key public services. 

The authority has partnered with regeneration charity The Auckland Project for the £12 million initiative, which is being delivered by the Government’s Stronger Towns Fund. 

Now, the council wants to gather views from people who live or work in the town about how they feel on the works, to identify future projects and funding opportunities that can be delivered.

Earlier this year, the redevelopments were hailed as “leading a town centre revival”, allowing for the conversion of derelict shops and creation of new public spaces. 

These projects include a new “attractive gateway” at Kingsway Square, bringing more people to Newgate Street, the upcoming STACK development, and the conversion of The Masonic Hall on Victoria Avenue into apartments. 

There’s also a string of new venues on the way, including a new bar in the former Burtons store, which will be run by Caps Off, and the new Jord restaurant on Newgate Street, which will be run by former Masterchef contestant and Bishop Auckland native Mike Bartley. 

However, the project has seen some criticism in recent weeks, with Mr Bartley, whose new venue was recently hit by an arson attack, saying the revamp project was “definitely taking longer than anyone had hoped”.

People will now get the chance to have their say on the works by completing an online survey, with the consultation lasting until Friday, December 13. 

Paper copies will also be available at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, in the box office and library, and Woodhouse Close Library. 

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, the council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “Over the last few years we have delivered a number of improvements to Bishop Auckland including bringing empty properties back into use, turning disused areas into attractive public spaces, creating and improving transport infrastructure, and supporting key visitor attractions.

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“As part of the ongoing regeneration programme we want to learn more about people’s sense of community and the key features that make Bishop Auckland unique, as well as understand how people interact with local cultural and heritage places and events within the area. 

“This survey will help establish a baseline for future regeneration and funding opportunities in the town.”

For more information about the consultation, and to complete the online survey, visit www.durham.gov.uk/consultation