New bus station to open after delays
BBCA town's new bus station will open this weekend following months of delays.
The facility in Bishop Auckland will welcome its first passengers on Sunday after a multimillion-pound project to improve local services.
Durham County Council said it hoped the new bus station would be a major transport hub for the region and attract more shoppers and tourists to the area.
It is on the site of the former bus station on Saddler Street, which was demolished to make way for the redevelopment in 2023.
Work started in February 2024 and the hub was initially scheduled to open in December 2025.
It has eight bus stands, public toilets and a retail kiosk.
There are also more than 120 car parking spaces for visitors, which the Reform-led council said would help address parking shortages and reduce pressure on residential areas.
Cabinet member for rural, farming and transport Tim McGuinness said the new bus station played "a major part" in regeneration plans for the area.
"This is a big step for Bishop Auckland, and we're excited to welcome the first passengers this weekend," he added.
Mayor of Bishop Auckland Mayor Sam Zair said it was a "fantastic moment" for the town.
"The former bus station was...dirty and old-fashioned," he said.
"This is a breath of fresh air for the town – and hopefully, more people will come into the town, and businesses will benefit."
The project was developed using £11.8m from the Future High Streets Fund.
