A RUNDOWN storage unit is to be transformed into a mini retail centre as part of £1m investment in Bishop Auckland town centre.

The new development will see the former Marks and Spencer storage area in Durham Chare, transformed into a store that will house a caf and offices, as well as men's, women's and children's clothing shops.

Bishop Auckland businessman Wayne Baister has applied to Wear Valley District Council for planning permission for the project, which closely follows his proposal for a new theme pub in the town.

The pub will see the former Barclay's Bank building in the town redeveloped. The building has been empty for sometime and has become an eyesore.

The cost of both the new pub and mini-retail centre will cost about £1m.

Mr Baister, who owns Bertie Clothing, said: "I have had a shop in Bishop Auckland at the bus station for 12 years, and although I have other stores in other areas, I am a Bishop Auckland lad at heart and I want to see the town thrive.''

He said he felt Durham Chare, which is located just off the town's main Newgate Street, was an eyesore and hoped his plans for the small retail centre would improve the outlook.

Mr Baister also said he was hoping to get support from Wear Valley District Council to improve paving in the street, to bring it up to the standard of Newgate Street, once refurbishment of the town centre was completed.

He said: "Bishop Auckland is in decline and I am trying to do something about that.

"I think this is a big investment for a small company, but I am hoping that eventually the town will attract more specialist shops.

"I want to pull this new store into the town centre, but I will need as much help as I can get from Wear Valley District Council.

"I am looking back to the old times, to the Doggarts kind of theme. It is stores like that which people never forget."