Bishop Auckland’s new bus station is taking shape as the building’s steel frame reaches completion.
Marking a key construction milestone on the project, more than 120 hot rolled steel girders weighing a total of 23.49 tonne have been installed. The steel was fabricated less than two miles from the development by South Durham Structures Ltd.
The bus station – which is being delivered by Esh Construction on behalf of Durham County Council – will offer modern and accessible facilities to passengers.
Sustainable technologies to boost the building’s environmental credentials feature within the design, including solar photo voltaic panels on the roof, a rainwater harvesting and re-use system and a Sedum green living roof to promote biodiversity.
Durham County Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Richard Bell, learnt more about the work being undertaken during a site tour. He said: “It was great to have a tour of the site and see how well the construction of Bishop Auckland’s new bus station is progressing.
“The new bus station is a key part of our regeneration plans for Bishop Auckland to bring new life to the town centre and make it a thriving place to live, work and visit. When complete, the station will be a modern transport hub that will attract more visitors to the town, address shortages in car parking and increase town centre footfall, helping to support the area’s businesses.”
Richard Saville, Esh’s Project Manager, said: “It was a pleasure to take Cllr Bell through the latest progress on this important project that will enhance the transport infrastructure within the town centre.
“The next phase will see the progression of the external envelope, specifically the construction of a timber beam roof on the concourse section alongside masonry works.”
The bus station will include eight stands and improved passenger information alongside a retail kiosk, toilet facilities, a changing places unit, and a parent and child facility. Alongside it there will be a new 124 space car park which will include 22 electric vehicle (EV) charging points, high quality paving, street lighting, landscaping and cycle stands.
The development forms part of the council’s wider plans to regenerate Bishop Auckland town centre through a range of leisure and recreation projects, including the repurposing and reopening of vacant properties and improving public spaces.
Esh Construction first commenced a package of enabling works on the site in February this year, with the existing hard surface having to be excavated and cleared to pave the way for the new building. The station is set to open in winter 2025.
The project is part of an £11.8 million investment in the town with funding secured through the Future High Streets Fund by Durham County Council and seeks to improve transport and parking facilities in Bishop Auckland.
