Bishop Auckland is set to take another major step forward in its transformation into a world-class visitor destination, with plans for the proposed Bishop Gateway road scheme being shared at a public information event on Tuesday 4 November 2025.
The drop-in event, taking place from 3pm to 7pm at 43 Market Place, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7PB, will showcase how the proposed new road will manage future visitor access to the town, connect key attractions, and help drive future economic growth across County Durham.
Led by The Auckland Project and 11Arches (creators of Kynren), in partnership with Durham County Council and the Bishop Auckland Stronger Towns Board, Bishop Gateway is a cornerstone of the wider regeneration programme shaping Bishop Auckland’s bright future.
A gateway to opportunity
The new road will link the overflow car park to the A688, improving access and making it easier for residents and visitors to reach the town’s growing number of attractions, while alleviating traffic impact on the town centre.
The project also includes a new junction, a pedestrian bridge, cycle routes and footpaths, together with more than 2,500 new parking spaces helping to manage future traffic demand, protect the town from congestion as visitor numbers grow, enhance connectivity, and futureproof Bishop Auckland’s infrastructure for generations to come.
These improvements will make Bishop Auckland safer, greener and more accessible for visitors, positioning it as the gateway to the Durham Dales and providing the foundation for sustainable, long-term growth.
The Bishop Gateway has been funded with £15.7 million from the Government’s Stronger Towns Fund.
Transformative social and economic impact
Bishop Gateway will play a key role in supporting the town’s expanding visitor economy, complementing major cultural and tourism investments such as Kynren, Auckland Palace and Gardens, the Faith Museum, the Spanish Gallery, the Mining Gallery and Binchester Roman Fort.
By enabling more than 1 million visitors each year, the scheme will significantly boost local business opportunities, create jobs and strengthen community prosperity.
Combined, regeneration projects across Bishop Auckland — delivered collaboratively through the Stronger Towns Board working with partners including The Auckland Project, 11Arches and Durham County Council — are forecast to:
• Create approximately 3,000 new jobs
• Generate an estimated £240 million across the local economy
• Deliver an overall social and economic impact of around £690 million GVA by 2035
Partnership for the future
Shaun Hope, Chair of the Bishop Auckland Stronger Town Board, said:
“The Bishop Gateway scheme shows what can be achieved when partners and the community work together with ambition and belief. As an important part of the wider Stronger Towns programme, it’s about building a town that delivers now and future generations can be proud of — improving access, creating opportunity, and driving a significant increase in visitors to strengthen the local economy for everyone.”
Jane Ruffer, CEO of The Auckland Project, said:
“The development builds on a decade of progress in Bishop Auckland. By creating better connections, we’re enabling more people to experience what the town has to offer, while supporting employment, enterprise and community wellbeing.”
Anna Warnecke, CEO of 11Arches, said:
“Bishop Gateway represents a pivotal investment in Bishop Auckland’s long-term success. Improved access and infrastructure are essential to support the increasing visitor demand driven by our attractions and to ensure local people benefit from the opportunities this growth brings.”
Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism, Regeneration and High Street, said:
“Over the last few years there has been significant investment committed to regenerating Bishop Auckland. This includes the creation of major visitor attractions which has boosted visitor numbers for the town and surrounding area.
“This scheme will create a modern transport network and facilities to support Bishop Auckland’s expanding role as a leading visitor destination and thriving local centre.”
Event details
The Bishop Gateway Information Event will be held on Tuesday 4 November 2025, from 3 pm to 7 pm at 43 Market Place, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7PB.
All are welcome to attend and find out more about how this transformational project will support the town’s continuing regeneration.
Further opportunities for people to have their say will also be available.
For more information, visit www.bishopaucklandregeneration.com
