Ambitious plans that will see Auckland Castle turned into a premier North East visitor attraction are forging ahead following the granting of planning permission for a multi-million pound Welcome Building.
The news that Durham County Council has approved the £2.5m structure in Bishop Auckland Market Place with its 29m tower and observation platform, marks the first key step in the development of the centuries old site.
It means the Auckland Castle Trust can now begin moving forward with its plans to transform the former home of England’s only Prince Bishops into a nationally important heritage centre.
The news will hopefully be followed by the further £17m regeneration of what is one of Britain’s most important ancient buildings, with the county council expected to rule on this planning application in the coming days.
The announcement on the Welcome Building has been met with delight by the Auckland Castle Trust, the charitable group behind the proposed schemes.
Simon Davis, Project Manager for the Auckland Castle Trust, said, “The news is very exciting. It’s the first piece in the jigsaw of what is an ambitious three year development plan for Auckland Castle.
“Auckland Castle Trust has big and bold plans that have enormous potential to transform not just this site but the surrounding area.
“Getting the go-ahead for the Welcome Building adds to the sense that Bishop Auckland’s time is coming again.”
Work is anticipated to start on the Welcome Building this August and take 12 months to complete.
The modern structure has been designed by the internationally renowned Niall McLaughlin Architects and is being funded by the Auckland Castle Trust.
It will be sited outside the castle walls on the edge of the Market Place and incorporate a timber framed building and the tower, with an observation platform 15m up offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
It will house a ticket office, gift shop and have space on the first floor for exhibitions, educational talks and meetings.
The Welcome Building is part of a raft of schemes that will breathe new life into Auckland Castle.
These include the £17m restoration of the castle, which will include the construction of a dramatic new two storey extension to the 16th century Scotland Wing to house a new immersive museum experience exploring the history of faith in Britain.
The work of the Auckland Castle Trust over the last two years has created 40 jobs, with 80% of those employed living within 20 miles of the castle.
The plans have, however, received mixed reviews with members of the public, with many residents taking to social media to voice their concerns that the building is not sympathetic to its surroundings, while others support the innovative plans.
What is your opinion on the building? Let us know by tweeting us @bishoppress or on our Facebook page The Bishop Press.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
