There will soon be even more activity on the high street with builders set to start work on the redevelopment of 47 Newgate Street.
Plans were approved last year to convert all three stories of the old Burton’s menswear store and the vacant Post Office building, which are on the corner of Newgate Street and Victoria Avenue. The Post Office is now operating out of a new premises just down the road at 40 Newgate Street.
The site will undergo a major revamp, which will see it converted into 10 luxury apartments and an exciting new retail venue. The development will also include restoration of the historical façade and a new extension to the rear of the property.
Graham Thomas, director of BEK Developments Ltd, which is responsible for the project, said: “As a resident of Bishop Auckland, this is a really important project for me and one we wouldn’t be able to do without the Future High Streets Fund to help us. We are pleased to be using a local contractor for the construction work and can now announce we have a local business taking on the corner commercial unit, previously Burton’s, which will be open by the summer.
“This development will utilise the town centre as a place to visit for food, drinks and a place to stay for both locals and tourists to bring back the vibrancy of the town. Tourists will use the accommodation as a central point to not only to explore what Bishop Auckland has to offer but the rest of County Durham and the North East as well.
“We are pleased to play a small part in helping regenerate Bishop Auckland.”
Architect Michael Chou, director of Cellar Door Architecture, added: “Our design includes the reworking of the rear of the building to create a sophisticated contemporary extension that maximises the available footprint of the site. Patinated architectural metalwork frames the rear balconies which provide outdoor connected living spaces which are bathed in natural light.”
Part of the restoration work will be funded by Historic England and Durham County Council through the Conservation Area Grant Scheme. The development is yet another to benefit from Durham County Council’s Property Reuse Fund. By reducing vacancy rates and bringing buildings back into use with a more diverse and modern retail, hospitality and accommodation offer, the grants are helping to bring significant economic benefits to the town – attracting visitors who will want to stay longer, leading to higher levels of spend during visits.
Businesses can apply for the fund by emailing propertyreusefund@durham.gov.uk.
