Esh lands £6.4m Bishop Auckland project
Working for Durham County Council, the contractor will deliver a new bus station in Bishop Auckland, work that follows a £1.8m enabling works package begun by Esh in February.
Esh Construction said that the new station will offer modern and accessible facilities to passengers with eight stands and improved passenger information including a retail kiosk, CCTV, more toilet facilities, and a new 124-space car park.
Public realm and lighting will also be improved, with cycle stands added.
Esh began enabling works in February, with works including the excavation and clearance of existing hard surfaces to facilitate new drainage. Seven attenuation tanks have already been installed.
A new sub station will be built to provide the necessary power requirements as well as new retaining walls and the installation of a sub-base. Ducting for the lighting and CCTV along with concrete foundations will be installed before the main bus station build starts in late June.
The scheme forms part of an £11.8m investment in the town with funding secured through the Future High Streets Fund and an additional £3.6m from Durham County Council.
Divisional director at Esh, Steven Garrigan, said: “There are some exciting projects happening across Bishop Auckland and as a Durham-headquartered contractor we are proud to play a part in the regenerative journey for the town and its residents.
“We’re pleased to be working with Durham County Council to enhance the transport infrastructure while maximising the social and economic value in the local community throughout the project.”
Enabling works began in February. Credit: via Mediaworks
DCC made its successful bid to the FHSF in 2020, fitting the scheme into a suite of projects designed to improve public spaces and the leisure offer in the town centre. A further £33.2m was secured for Bishop Auckland in Stronger Town Funding.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, DCC cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “The new bus station will be modern and fit for purpose, helping support businesses by attracting visitors to the town, address shortages in car parking and increase footfall into the town centre.
“It forms part of our wider regeneration plans to bring new life to Bishop Auckland town centre and enable the town to become thriving place to live, work and visit.”
