Gaunless Gateway Big Local is celebrating the success of its £1 million, resident-led programme — a decade-long journey of investment, collaboration, and community transformation across six neighbourhoods in the Bishop Auckland area.
Over the past ten years, Gaunless Gateway has supported projects in Cockton Hill, Henknowle, Woodhouse Close, Tindale Crescent, St. Helen Auckland and West Auckland.
As one of the 100 areas in England to complete the Big Local initiative, Gaunless Gateway has been part of one of the country’s biggest ever investments in local people making decisions for themselves.
From job creation to youth support, mental health services to arts and volunteering — the programme has left a lasting legacy right here in our community.
Alan Anderson, Outgoing Chair Gaunless Gateway Big Local partnership said: “I’m proud to have been part of this initiative from the very beginning, culminating in my role as Chair over the last three years.
“What makes this project so special is that it has been truly resident-led; shaped by the people who live here.
“Thanks to that, lasting connections have been built, and our neighbourhoods genuinely feel like better places to live.”
Some of the highlights of what’s been achieved in various sectors over the last decade include:
Jobs & Skills: Funded apprenticeships, bursaries, and launched Trades4Care and Bridge Creatives CIC, creating local jobs and training.
Youth & Play: Delivered mobile soft play through the Big Purple Playbus, partnered with schools and youth centres, and created safe, engaging spaces.
Health & Wellbeing: Supported groups like Man Health and Daisy Arts, promoting confidence, connection, and creative expression.
Individual bursary awards: enabling residents to gain driving qualifications
Volunteering: Set up a local scheme connecting 90+ residents to opportunities, gaining national recognition.
Rachel Rowney, Chief Executive of Local Trust, added: “This is more than the end of a programme — it’s the beginning of a lasting legacy. Residents have developed new skills, built stronger networks, and created a positive future for their area.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
