Plans to transform a historic building in a County Durham town into a multimillion-pound retail, residential or hotel scheme have been submitted.
The Grade II listed former Beales department store on Newgate Street in Bishop Auckland shut its doors more than two years ago, after the retailer closed the shop as part of a CVA agreement.
Now the town’s regeneration has been given a boost after developers Multitrust Property Limited submitted plans to redevelop the building, which was originally owned by the Co-op in the 1870s.
The building sits within the heart of the Bishop Auckland Heritage Action Zone, which was established to reinvigorate the historic market town and to help regenerate it as a vibrant place for local people, businesses and visitors.
The town is going through a five-year programme to breathe new life into the market place and high street, along with other parts of the conservation area.
The plans submitted to Durham County Council’s planning committee could involve part of the rear of the existing building being demolished, while the existing façade will benefit from restoration work to enhance its overall appearance.
Plans have been submitted to change the use of the building – and developers want to be flexible, so are exploring options to convert the ground floor into three retail units, and either bring in 27 apartments or a 62-bedroom hotel on the upper floors.
The move is the latest chapter in the site’s long history and would herald a new phase in the town centre’s regeneration, said Sean Hedley, managing director at Hedley Planning Services.
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He said: “With the site being Grade II-listed within a conservation area, there are always challenges to overcome and it will be up to the market to decide the ultimate development scheme.
“As planners, we want to see the creation of exciting, aspirational and rewarding schemes that leave a long-lasting legacy delivering conservation and regeneration benefits.
“This project will undoubtedly see a positive change to this important site, ensuring social and economic benefits chime well with the overall regeneration of Bishop Auckland’s town centre.”
Documents have also been submitted by heritage specialist Sarah Dyer, who worked on the conversion of the former Co-op building in Newcastle’s Newgate Street into a Premier Inn.
She said: “The proposed works will enable a vacant building to be brought back to use which in turn will mean the building will be maintained for the future and able to contribute to the economic vitality of the town through the proposed new uses.”