A SHOPPING precinct will open this week after a £2.5m improvement scheme.

The refurbishment of The Newgate Centre, in Bishop Auckland, will be unveiled tomorrow.

The mall has been refurbished by supermarket chain Asda, which moved to the outskirts of the town last year.

Asda spent almost £20m relocating to a 40,000sq ft store on the site of the former Wilson's Forge, in South Church Road.

The scheme is the first extensive refit of the centre since it was built in the early 1980s. It is hoped that the refurbishment will revitalise the north end of the town.

Many traders in that area say their businesses have suffered because of the loss of a big food outlet in the centre.

Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster, who hopes to be at tomorrow's ceremony, said: "It is a magnificent transformation which will greatly enhance the viability and vitality of the town."

Asda's property communications manager Simon Leonard said: "The Newgate Centre has been a firm favourite with visitors to Bishop Auckland for two decades, but it was in need of a revamp.

"It is attractive, bright and modern - so much more inviting for shoppers and a more pleasant entrance to the town.

"The bulky travelators have been replaced by modern lifts, there are new glass entrances, a canopy at the front and security television, which improves customer safety in the mall and for the carpark."

Town centre manager Ken Wilson said: "It is a significant development for the town and will hopefully create a lot of interest at the north end of Bishop Auckland."

The former Asda unit has been refitted, and homes and gardens chain Wilkinson's is to open a store in the unit in August.

Asda is among dozens of businesses backing The Northern Echo and Wear Valley Advertiser's Shopping for a Future campaign, supporting town centre retailers.

Friday's events will start with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10.15am, followed by live music and family entertainment.