Bishop Auckland’s historic McIntyre Centre celebrates first birthday in style

Staff at the McIntyre Centre celebrate at the event.

The McIntyre Centre, a cornerstone of Bishop Auckland’s heritage and regeneration, celebrated its first anniversary in style last night.

A special evening of music, food and community spirit saw guests, including local dignitaries and stakeholders, gather at the Grade II listed building on Newgate Street to mark a successful year since it reopened its doors as a hub for skills and community engagement.

The evening began on a high note, with talented music student Jayden Tomlinson treating guests to a live performance that provided the perfect backdrop for a ‘canapés, fizz and mingle’ reception, catering for which was provided by the College’s own staff and students.

Shaun Hope, Principal and CEO of Bishop Auckland College Group, welcomed the guests - including members of the McIntyre family - and spoke about the strong foundations the centre has built.

Shaun said: “It has been a fantastic first year for the McIntyre Centre. When we reopened this iconic building, our vision was to create a space that honoured its past while building a future for our town.

“Seeing the students showcasing their skills tonight - from the music to the incredible food - proves that this centre is doing exactly what we set out to do: changing lives and bringing people together. It is an opportunity for students to thrive and create positive change.”

The event was attended by a number of key figures, including representatives from the North East Combined Authority, the Stronger Towns Board, The Auckland Project and Cllr Sam Zair, Mayor of Bishop Auckland, all of whom have championed the building’s transformation.

Cooking demonstrations by students were a highlight of the night, showcasing the McIntyre’s dual role as a training facility and a community asset.

A beautiful celebratory cake, baked by Level 2 student Lucy Jacobs and decorated by catering lecturer Elizabeth MacIntyre, served as a stunning centrepiece.

Jen Phillips, Head of Community and Careers at Bishop Auckland College, said: “It is hard to believe it is one year already. It doesn’t seem five minutes since we had hard hats on, preparing the building for opening.

“We got there with help from so many different people, many of whom are with us to celebrate tonight.

“We wanted to change lives through skills and guidance and become a welcoming, inclusive and vibrant hub in the heart of the town, creating a launchpad for new opportunities.  To see the growth in confidence with our students is amazing.  The journey is far from over.”

A fine example of this journey is the Centre’s partnership with Hiyed CIC in Bishop Auckland. Two job seekers, Josh Clarke and Jessica Sams, were in attendance on the night to demonstrate the new skills they are learning.

Tracy Fee, Director of Hiyed, said: “We have been working with the McIntyre Centre since it opened a year ago. I was here at the opening.

“Josh and Jessica are obtaining fantastic skills to go on and get paid employment. Both have been working front of house in the cafeteria for nine months.

“Josh has always wanted to do this, while Jessica was in college and didn’t know what she wanted to do. Both have additional needs, and to be given a chance to thrive in a working environment is fantastic for their CVs.”

Raffle tickets were handed out to every guest upon arrival, with prizes including tickets to upcoming events at the venue.

The McIntyre Centre’s journey from a derelict unit to a bustling hub has touched the hearts of many. Originally established in the late 19th century as a shoe shop by the McIntyre family, the building holds a special place in local memory.

Cllr Zair said: “Many years ago, growing up, I used to come to the McIntyre shoe shop, as it was then, to get my feet measured. It was a family affair. The community that was built around that was a foundation of Bishop Auckland.

“When things changed, the shoe shop discontinued, and the building became derelict. I used to come along Newgate Street and think 'what a shame.'

“It has been brought back to life again by the College, and it gives me so much pleasure to see it back up and running - not just as a building, but one that is educating the next generation too. It is marvellous.”

Its reopening last year was the culmination of an ambitious renovation project led by Bishop Auckland College. Funded by the Conservation Area Grant Scheme - a partnership between Durham County Council and Historic England - the three-storey structure was transformed into a multi-purpose space designed to drive job creation and skills development.

Today, the McIntyre Centre serves as the base for the Springboard to Employment scheme, supported by the Stronger Towns Fund.

It features a fully operational training restaurant and kitchen, offering hands-on experience for those seeking careers in hospitality and tourism, while the ground floor boasts retail space dedicated to goods produced by small local businesses.

*To learn more about the McIntyre Centre check out bacoll.ac.uk/about-the-college/our-facilities/the-mcintyre-centre/