AMBITIOUS plans to turn a market town’s castle into a premier visitor attraction have been boosted after a £2.5m scheme for a welcome building was approved.

Auckland Castle Trust has gained Durham County Council backing for the plan to build a 29 metre tower and observation platform in Bishop Auckland.

This is the latest part of a multi-million pound proposal to turn the former Prince Bishops home, of Auckland Castle, into a nationally important heritage centre.

Auckland Castle Trust hopes to follow up this work with a further £17m regeneration of the site.

Simon Davis, project manager for the Auckland Castle Trust, said: “The news is very exciting.

“It’s the first piece in the jigsaw of what is an ambitious three year development plan for Auckland Castle.

“Auckland Castle Trust has big and bold plans that have enormous potential to transform not just this site but the surrounding area.

“Getting the go-ahead for the welcome building adds to the sense that Bishop Auckland’s time is coming again.”

Work on the welcome building is expected to start in August and is set to take a year to complete.

The building has been designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects and it is being funded by the Auckland Castle Trust.

It consists of a timber framed building with an observation tower 15 metres up offering views of the surrounding area.

It will house a ticket office, gift shop and will have space on the first floor for exhibitions, educational talks and meetings.

Liz Fisher, Trust operations director said: “The news that we can now proceed with the welcome building is a fantastic achievement for the design team and the castle.”

The welcome building is part of a raft of measures that the Trust hopes will breathe new life into the castle and Bishop Auckland.

These include the £17m restoration of the castle, which will include the construction of a two storey extension to the 16th century Scotland Wing.

This will house an immersive museum experience exploring the history of faith in Britain. The rest of the castle and its state rooms will also be renovated.

A planning application for the scheme has also been lodged with the county council.