Bishop Auckland £6.4m bus station redevelopment completes
Esh Construction delivered the project on behalf of Durham County Council, which cost a total of £11.8m funded through a Future High Streets grant.
Located on the same site as the former facility on Saddler Street, the hub has improved toilets and accessibility, upgraded tech with live updates for passengers, solar panels on the roof, a rainwater re-use system, and a retail kiosk.
The area surrounding the bus station has also been landscaped, with paved areas, drainage systems, and street lighting installed.
More than 120 hot rolled steel girders weighing a total of 23.5 tonnes were installed on the building, having been fabricated less than two miles from the development by South Durham Structures.
Alongside the bus station, there will also be a new 124-space car park, with accessible spaces for wheelchairs and Blue Badge holders and parking for motorcycles. There will also be electric vehicle charging points and bicycle parking.
The project has delivered £2.2m in social value, with 37 weeks of work experience and T-Level time provided to County Durham students, 55 weeks of work on site by County Durham veterans and reservists, 97 hours of STEM and employability skills delivered in schools, and education settings and a £2.2m spend in County Durham’s supply chain.
Steven Garrigan, divisional director at Esh Construction, said: “Esh is proud to have delivered a modern, fully accessible transport hub that will play an important role in supporting Bishop Auckland’s regeneration and strengthening local connectivity.
“Working closely with Durham County Council, this project reflects our commitment to delivering high quality infrastructure that serves communities across the region, while also creating meaningful social value and opportunities locally.”
Cllr Tim McGuinness, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for rural, farming and transport, said: “The completion of Bishop Auckland Bus Station is a major step in our plans to regenerate Bishop Auckland and boost its standing as a thriving market town and visitor destination.
“The bus station looks fantastic and will provide the local community with modern, up-to-date facilities so they can access opportunities within the county and beyond. It will also serve as a positive welcome for visitors travelling into the centre for Bishop Auckland’s growing culture, heritage and events offer.
“In addition, the site provides ample car parking with more than 120 new spaces for visitors to use. This will help to bring people into the town, address parking shortages, and reduce pressure on residential areas. This is a big step for Bishop Auckland, and we’re excited to welcome the first passengers.”
