Retailers gear up for Bishop Auckland opening

A 160,000 sq ft retail & leisure park will open in early summer in the County Durham town, with Reel Cinemas, The Range and PureGym among those preparing to join the already-open Popeyes.

Advanced by Bradford-based Fieldon Bridge Developments, construction work is now complete at Bishop Auckland Retail & Leisure Park, with a grand opening planned for the beginning of the summer.

Located to the south of the Sainsbury’s store in the area, the project has attracted a host of major UK operators as its promoter looks to establish the scheme as a major hub for retail and entertainment in Bishop Auckland.

The scheme supports the surrounding existing commercial businesses, including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, M&S Foodhall, Pets at Home, Boots, Next, TK Maxx, McDonalds, KFC and other national brands.

New businesses at Bishop Auckland Retail & Leisure Park:

• The Range: set to unveil a new 40,000 sq ft superstore, its first store in the town.
• Home Bargains: has committed to a 40,000 sq ft strategic relocation, trebling its current store size due to excellent trading in the area.
• PureGym: has inked a deal for a cutting-edge 11,000 sq ft gym.
• Popeyes: a relatively new name in the UK, it is proving a hit with punters and has now opened a new drive-thru restaurant trading ahead of the wider scheme opening. Popeyes has more than 35 restaurants open and trading in the UK and plans to open another 40 stores in 2024.
• Greggs: has been fitting out for a number of weeks and is close to opening.
• Tui: in the process of fit-out.
• Superbowl UK: will offer a 14-lane bowling venue, with soft play centre, ninja assault course, amusement arcade, diner and lounge bar.
• Reel Cinemas: will operate a seven-screen cinema.

Letting agent for the scheme, Leeds-based WSB Property Consultants, is continuing with ongoing negotiations with additional leisure and retail operators.

Partner Adam Mobley said: “These retailers joining the scheme highlight the strong demand for connected experiences on the scheme and we are nearly at the end of the journey of providing a top-class retail and leisure scheme for the people of Bishop Auckland and the surrounding areas.”

With only two leisure/retail units remaining, plus a 2,650 sq ft drive-thru restaurant, WSB said it is confident occupiers will be keen to take advantage.