Put hospitality at the heart of UK economic plans

APRIL has been one of the busiest and most exciting months yet for The Auckland Project - and for Bishop Auckland.

- David Land

From a community consultation on the future of the Market Place, to El Castillo Tapas Restaurant receiving a five-star hygiene rating during a surprise inspection and being named among the best museum cafes and restaurants in the UK by The Guardian, and a bustling Food Festival and Easter weekend, there’s a real sense of momentum building in the town. And while we're proud to be playing our part in that, it’s also clear that our work is just beginning.

First and foremost, the public consultation on the proposed 58-bed-room hotel was a success.

We were thrilled to engage with almost 1,000 people, both in person and online. Even better, 86% of respondents supported the proposals - reiterating just how deeply residents care about their town.

The consultation was overwhelmingly positive, but it’s no secret that The Auckland Project, like many organisations doing big things in small towns, sometimes divides opinion. Some people love what we're doing, others aren't so sure - and that’s OK. We welcome those conversations because they show how passionate people are about Bishop Auckland. If people didn’t care, they wouldn't comment.

There’s a lot of nostalgia for what the town once was. I had my wedding reception at the Queens Hotel, and like many locals, I remember a different high street than the one we see today. But we must face facts. Traditional retail is in trouble.