A new bus station in County Durham is taking shape - as a major construction milestone has been reached. 

Bishop Auckland’s new bus station has inched towards completion, with the building's steel frame being finished. 

More than 120 hot-rolled steel girders weighing a total of 23.49 tonnes have been installed. The steel was fabricated less than two miles from the development by South Durham Structures Ltd.

The bus station – which is being delivered by Esh Construction on behalf of Durham County Council – will offer modern and accessible facilities to passengers.

This summer, the council's experts said they expected the station to open in December 2025. 

The bus station and car park development is part of a wider plan to redevelop Bishop Auckland town centre, aiming to boost business and increase visitors to the town centre. 

Sustainable technologies to boost the building’s environmental credentials feature within the design, including solar photo voltaic panels on the roof, a rainwater harvesting and re-use system and a Sedum green living roof to promote biodiversity.

Richard Saville and Cllr Richard Bell at the construction site. (Image: GRAHAM BROWN @ CHAPMAN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY) On a site tour, Durham County Council’s deputy leader Cllr Richard Bell said: “It was great to have a tour of the site and see how well the construction of Bishop Auckland’s new bus station is progressing.

“The new bus station is a key part of our regeneration plans for Bishop Auckland to bring new life to the town centre and make it a thriving place to live, work and visit.

"When complete, the station will be a modern transport hub that will attract more visitors to the town, address shortages in car parking and increase town centre footfall, helping to support the area’s businesses.”

Richard Saville, Esh’s Project Manager, said: “It was a pleasure to take Cllr Bell through the latest progress on this important project that will enhance the transport infrastructure within the town centre.

“The next phase will see the progression of the external envelope, specifically the construction of a timber beam roof on the concourse section alongside masonry works.”

The bus station will include eight stands and improved passenger information alongside a retail kiosk, toilet facilities, a changing places unit, and a parent and child facility.

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Alongside it there will be a new 124 space car park which will include 22 electric vehicle (EV) charging points, high quality paving, street lighting, landscaping and cycle stands.

Construction commenced in February this year, with the existing hard surface having to be excavated and cleared to pave the way for the new building. 

The project is part of an £11.8 million investment in the town with funding secured through the Future High Streets Fund by Durham County Council and seeks to improve transport and parking facilities in Bishop Auckland.