Derelict town store redevelopment hope

Council leaders hope to attract investors to transform a derelict Bishop Auckland shop, writes Local Democracy Reporter Bill Edgar. 

It is hoped the redevelopment of the former Beales store on Newgate Street will boost the economy and profile of the whole town centre. 

The building has been included in Historic England’s Heritage Investment Prospectus, which showcases historic sites and buildings across England where owners are actively seeking investment partners or buyers.

It remains a significant part of the town centre’s history, but its appearance has become an eyesore in recent years.

Historic England said the derelict site is one of the reasons the conservation area is on the national Heritage At Risk Register and reviving it would benefit the whole area. 

In 2019, planning permission was granted for the conversion of the building: one for 27 apartments and the other for a 62-bed hotel, both with a mix of retail and food and beverage outlets on the ground floor. 

However, work hit a stalemate.

Now, it is hoped Historic England’s promotion of the site can help attract investors. 

The building’s owner is looking for an unconditional sale of the property or would consider a joint venture partner to deliver the redevelopment.

There is understood to be considerable flexibility in how the building could be adapted for new uses. 

Councillor Lyndsey Fox, elected as one of three Reform UK members serving the town in May, says the local authority is open to working with any prospective buyers to help regenerate the town. 

“We recognise the importance of the former Beales department store, both in terms of its rich heritage and the prominent position it occupies within the town,” she said. “Our economic development, planning and conservation teams are working closely with Historic England to explore future uses for the building.”

Elsewhere in the town, a new STACK development is being built and improvement works have taken place at Fore Bondgate.

The Masonic Hall on Victoria Avenue is undergoing conversion to become 10 apartments with an art space and office on the ground floor.

The scheme is part of a £12 million joint initiative between regeneration charity, The Auckland Project; Durham County Council and private sector developers.

Cllr Fox, who also holds the key role of cabinet member for economy and partnerships, added: “We welcome the increased visibility that Historic England has provided by including the building in this brochure.

“We are happy to support any discussions about bringing it back into use, as part of our wider regeneration efforts in the town.

“Extensive work has been carried out in recent years to bring historic empty buildings within Bishop Auckland’s Heritage Action Zone back into use.”