“Bishop Auckland has so much potential, but realising that potential requires all of us to participate and get involved in whatever way we can,”

Lauren Leigh Hinthorne, Business Owner of the Yarn Shop and Workspace, 9 North Bondgate

“The McIntyre centre has undergone an amazing transformation, and we are absolutely delighted with the revival of this building. Bishop Auckland College is excited to join other new businesses in Newgate Street, supporting the vibrancy of the town”

Jennifer Phillips, Head of Community and Careers at Bishop Auckland College

“We reopened just before Christmas and it’s all going well. I love the history of the place. It’s still early days but I’d like to see if we can get local bands and singers on – we’re really keen to support local talent”

Lisa Dowson, Sportsmans Inn Manageress and a lifelong Bishop Auckland resident

“I am excited, although a little nervous, for the future. The salon has been so busy already. There is so much to look forward to in Bishop Auckland at the minute. Seeing all the work being done for all the new businesses opening, like the new restaurant and STACK up the street is exciting. Bishop has really needed this investment and I am excited to see them open soon.”

Natalie Lowe, owner of Halo salon

“We wanted to be able to contribute something different to the highstreet. The location of where we are with such close access to the countryside, means there is so much for visitors to discover. We have to rethink the future of the town and what it has to offer with tourism, recreation and leisure. With all the investment going into the town we really need landlords and businesses to come together and make the best of it.”

Gary and Fiona Ewing, owners of Inspiral Cycles

“Without the funding we could never have afforded to fulfil this ambition. We’re putting our own little mark on the town and there are already lots of plans and developments for Newgate on the way. I hope other businesses take advantage of the help available so we can bring the town back to life, like what it used to be.”

Wayne Parnaby, owner of Moss & Ivy @ The Vines.

“As a Bishop Auckland business, it’s fantastic to know we are coming back into the town centre. High streets are changing to become less retail and more leisure focused in every town and city – and we want to be part of that. We hope our new venue will bring a relaxed informal social space, where people can enjoy some good food and the best local produce.”

Ali Wild partner of Caps Off.

“We’re really passionate about the town. We’ve got a lot going on here, and there’s money that we’ve been given by the government to make it a better place. We have got an opportunity to make something of it.”

Mum and daughter,

Carol and Laura Knight,

Tinkers Treasures, Fore Bondgate

“I’ve been here 50 years. You can’t live in the past, you’ve got to make things better.”

Robert Bedford,

Bedfords Appliance Care, Newgate Street

“There’s a lot going on behind the scenes in Bishop Auckland. In the next 18 months to two years there will be changes that will hopefully bring a lot more people into town and benefit businesses.”

Simon and Amanda Hill opened Simon’s Butchers on Newgate Street