We want your views on proposed designs for a new bus station and car park in Bishop Auckland on the current bus station site. We also want your views on the existing Newgate Centre multi-storey car park and how it could be improved in the future.
The location of the site proposed for redevelopment is situated between Clayton Street and Saddler Street and lies to the west of the existing Newgate Shopping Centre and multi-storey car park. The existing site is made up of:
- an external bus station to the north, with individual bus shelters per stand
- a public car park to the south (currently the B&M car park)
- pedestrian area to the east, next to the Newgate Shopping Centre including public toilets and a café
The existing bus station and B&M car park will be removed, and the land will be redeveloped to include a new bus station, new car park and improved public spaces.
The public toilets will be demolished as toilets would be included in the new bus station. The café would be demolished, and we will work to relocate the current occupant.
Bus station
An improved bus station would replace the existing, low quality bus station and provide the local community with up-to-date facilities and a safe and welcoming environment for all passengers travelling to and from the town. We hope it will improve journey quality and increase visitor numbers and trade in the town. It will include:
- a new, modern bus station, accessible for all users
- a transport hub that is safe and welcoming
- an improved waiting area with seating for all including wheelchair users
- a shop
- toilet facilities including separate baby changing facilities, an accessible toilet and a Changing Places toilet for severely disabled people
- a talking screen for those with visual impairment for passenger information and a textured floor to aid people moving around the station
- a green roof to support wildlife and help the environment by reducing CO2 emissions as well improving the energy efficiency of the building
Car park
The proposed car park will help to reduce pressure on residential areas when visitor numbers increase for the cultural events such as the food festival, Kynren and the local attractions. It would include:
- parking bays which are longer and wider than current standards
- parking for electric vehicle (EV) charging
- wheelchair accessible (WAV) parking bay
- accessible parking bays for blue badge holders
- parking for motorcycles
- bicycle parking on the east side of the bus station
Getting from the car park and bus station into the town
To improve the route from the bus station and car park to the attractions and retail areas, we plan to:
- improve the public spaces with footpaths and lighting
- plant trees to reduce noise and enhance biodiversity, reduce CO2 emissions from the environment and provide shade
- improve surface drainage to prevent flooding as part of the planted areas
- improve public spaces which link the bus station and car park to the town
To have your say on the Bishop Auckland Bus Station and Car Park consultation click here to link through to the consultation web page
Or you can come along to our drop in sessions to see the plans and talk to staff. Drop in sessions will be taking place on Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th March from 10:30 – 3:30pm in Bishop Auckland Town Hall.
