The Bishop Auckland Stronger Town Board met to discuss updates to the Bishop Auckland Stronger Towns Programme, including the progress of various projects and future plans. The board was also scheduled to discuss the structure and composition of the board itself.

Programme Update

The Bishop Auckland Stronger Town Board were scheduled to receive updates on the progress of various projects within the Stronger Towns Programme. These included:

• Bishop's Gateway
• Artist's Hub
• Market Place Hotel
• Property Reuse Fund
• South Church Enterprise
• Public Realm
• Heritage walks and cycle path/Tindale Triangle

The previous meeting on 26 June 2025 heard that outline designs for the Bishop's Gateway project were expected for submission at the end of summer 2025, with a public consultation to follow. It was hoped that the County Planning Committee would make a determination by the end of the year, allowing work to commence in early 2026. At that time, Board Members were told that the Bishop's Gateway scheme had generated a lot of public interest and were asked for it to be publicised early, because People were unaware of the rationale behind the project and there were misconceptions that the land would be opened up and have an adverse effect on the Town Centre .

Board Structure and Composition

The Bishop Auckland Stronger Town Board was scheduled to discuss its own structure and composition. At the previous meeting on 26 June 2025, the board were told that interviews had taken place in July 2025 for the position of Chair of the Stronger Town Board. Following the appointment of the Chair, a skills review would take place to ensure key features and thematic areas were met .

STB Future Plans

The Bishop Auckland Stronger Town Board were scheduled to discuss their future plans.

Matters Arising

The Bishop Auckland Stronger Town Board were scheduled to discuss matters arising from the minutes of the meeting held on 26 June 2025¹.