Major new planning submission set to strengthen Bishop Auckland’s position as a leading cultural destination

Major new planning submission set to strengthen Bishop Auckland’s position as a leading cultural destination

A new planning application has been submitted that marks the next important stage in Bishop Auckland’s long-term transformation into one of the UK’s most distinctive cultural and heritage destinations.

The Auckland Project’s submission, in collaboration with 11Arches, advances the town’s regeneration. As two independent charities sharing a vision, both are shaping the future and unlocking new opportunities.

At the heart of the plans are three major new productions by Kynren – The Storied Lands - each designed to significantly broaden the scale, reach and seasonality of the visitor experience.

It follows closely behind preparations for the park’s opening in July this year, marking the first time the full long-term vision for the site has been formally set out.

Two of the new shows, Conquest of the Seas and Robin Hood, will be housed within purpose-built indoor performance spaces - a major step forward for the attraction, enabling year-round programming, extended opening seasons and a substantial increase in visitor capacity.

The third, The Lone Centurion, is conceived as a large-scale outdoor spectacle, continuing Kynren’s reputation for dramatic, visually striking live action storytelling on an epic scale.

Together, the new shows represent a critical evolution for Kynren – The Storied Lands, moving the attraction beyond a seasonal offer to a more sustained, year-round destination capable of attracting significantly higher visitor numbers, creating new employment opportunities and supporting long-term economic growth.

As part of the same planning application, The Auckland Project is advancing its vision for Binchester Roman Fort through the development of Binchester Earth — a new heritage-led experience that will enhance the site’s interpretation, further strengthen the historical and educational offer, and deepen connections between the town’s attractions.

Together, these developments are expected to play a significant role in driving visitor growth, with forecasts indicating that the combined destination could attract more than one million visitors annually in the coming years.

Economic projections suggest the expanded offer could contribute close to £50 million in annual economic output by the early 2030s, supporting hundreds of jobs both directly and across the wider supply chain.

Crucially, the expansion will create clear pathways into employment by widening access to skills development, education and structured volunteering. Building on both charities’ established volunteer programmes, participants will gain practical, workplace relevant experience that can transition directly into paid roles. Partnerships with local colleges, schools and universities will provide training and placements across heritage, conservation, hospitality, events and tourism, helping residents develop the skills needed for local job opportunities. In the long term, this investment will strengthen the area’s workforce, support inclusive growth and contribute to a more resilient local economy.

Supporting infrastructure included within the planning application, backed by HM Government’s ‘Towns Fund’, will help ensure this growth can be managed sustainably. The proposals provide improved access routes and parking designed to accommodate visitor demand while protecting the historic town centre from increased traffic pressures and maintaining a positive visitor experience.

Over 90% of funding has come from private sources and the plans build on approaching £400 million of investment already delivered in Bishop Auckland, which has transformed the town’s cultural landscape and steadily increased its profile as a visitor destination.

The plans have already received strong local support. A public consultation in November 2025 drew over 300 responses, with over 90% of respondents supporting both the specific plans and the wider vision for the town’s regeneration.

Jane Ruffer, CEO of The Auckland Project said: “We are delighted to reach this milestone, this development is key to unlocking the town’s potential.  It will support jobs, skills and opportunities for local people, and ensure Bishop Auckland grows as a vibrant, sustainable visitor destination.”

Anna Warnecke, CEO of Kynren, said: “Kynren – The Storied Lands is just the beginning. As we prepare to open this summer, we are already looking ahead to how we continue to grow and evolve the experience for our audiences.

“These new shows represent a major step forward in our ambition — allowing us to tell even more powerful stories, on a greater scale, and for more people throughout the year.

“From large-scale indoor productions to breathtaking outdoor spectacle, this next phase will build on everything that makes Kynren unique, while creating a destination that visitors will want to return to time and again.

“It’s an incredibly exciting moment for the whole team, our volunteers, and for everyone who has supported Kynren’s journey so far.”

Shaun Hope, Chair of the Bishop Auckland Stronger Towns Board, said: “This marks another major step forward in delivering the long-term vision for Bishop Auckland. The strength of the partnership between organisations, alongside strong public support, demonstrates the confidence in the town’s future and the positive impact this investment will bring.”