An ambitious plan to bring a leading leisure brand to Bishop Auckland has been given the go-ahead, as part of a commitment to make the town a top visitor destination.

The Danieli Group announced last year its plan to bring its popular STACK brand to the town, not only providing a place for people to eat, drink and be entertained but also a new opportunity for local food operators.

And today (23 March) councillors have given the green light to the scheme, which will see the creation of the mixed use venue at Newgate Street, right in the heart of the town centre.

While STACK Seaburn in Sunderland and STACK Newcastle were created out of shipping containers, STACK Bishop Auckland will be a purpose built building, but internally will have all of the signature elements that the brand has become renowned for.

The company was appointed as development partner by Durham County Council to bring the scheme to fruition, initially borne out of feedback from the 2019 Town Centre Masterplan which highlighted the need for more leisure outlets.

Neill Winch, CEO of Danieli Group is looking forward to work now getting underway.

“We are delighted that the council has given STACK Bishop Auckland the go ahead and recognise what it will mean to the town,” he said.

“Bringing together independent food traders, an outlet for musicians and a venue for special events will provide a huge boost for the local economy.

“STACK has been a huge success story wherever we have opened and we are looking forward to creating that same excitement – and level of prosperity – in Bishop Auckland.

“STACK Bishop Auckland will not only create jobs but will help the town in so many different ways, from providing an outlet for local food traders to being a place that both locals and visitors can enjoy.

“We can’t wait to get started.”

Work should begin immediately with a view to opening spring 2024.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming STACK to Bishop Auckland as part of our ambitious plans to regenerate the town.

“This will provide a significant boost to the local economy and help to shine a spotlight on the town as a vibrant visitor destination, with its food and leisure offer helping to attract people from across the county and beyond.

“As well as creating jobs and opportunities for residents, we are confident the creation of a STACK will also promote growth amongst new, independent businesses.

“As we have seen with other locations in the region, STACK has proved a fantastic starting point from which traders have been able to develop. It has also helped to attract a range of other businesses alongside its own venues, unlocking great potential and opportunities for the region’s economy.”