WORK on a multi-million pound historical leisure park will begin in April –providing planning permission is granted.

It has also emerged that the Eleven Arches Trust, which is behind the project, has already raised £16m of the £23m needed to fund the Bishop Auckland-based park.

A planning application will be submitted to Durham County Council within the next week and if the go-ahead is given work will commence almost immediately.

The park will be set in the shadow of Auckland Castle and it is expected to attract up to 800,000 visitors a year and provide a major boost for the local economy.

Multi-millionaire City financier Jonathan Ruffer brought the scheme, which is based on Puy du Fou – the second most visited tourist attraction in France – to the region and the aim is to open to the public in May next year.

The first phase will see a not-for-profit, visually stunning night show recreate about 2,000 years of North-East history, using a cast of 600 volunteers.

The shows, which will run for 80 minutes, will feature large-scale re-enactments, music and pyrotechnics.

The Eleven Arches Trust is looking for expressions of interest from local businesses, such as designers and constructors, to help build the site.

Anne-Isabelle Daulon, chief executive of the Eleven Arches Trust, said: “This project is for the benefit of the people of the North-East. Our focus is on community development and education.

“All the profits will be re-invested back into the show. We want this show to still be at its best year-on-year.”

The Puy du Fou recently won the international Applause Award 2014 – which goes to the best amusement park and this was first time it has gone to an attraction in Europe in 22 years.

“We want exactly the same level of performance as Puy du Fou, which they have done through a volunteer force,” Mrs Daulon added. “That is what we want to replicate. We want people to see the show and say oh wow.

“It is nice Puy du Fou has been recognised and it is exciting to have them helping us. They have put their heart and soul into their show.”

“Our show will only be viable for us if it continues for generations to come.”

She added: “We have been so touched by the tremendous support we have received. People have been so positive and enthusiastic and that has given comfort to the people backing us.”

The trust has already £16m of the £23m needed through donations and anyone else keen to get involved is welcome to get in touch.

Contractors should email enquiries@elevenarches.org while anyone interested in volunteering, whether it be on the technical or performance side, can submit an expression of interest at volunteer@elevenarches.org