EXCITING new plans to change the face of a County Durham town are to be presented to Durham County Council’s cabinet.

Projects to be delivered by Auckland Castle Trust (ACT) and Eleven Arches Trust (EAT), which include the restoration of the castle, historic walled garden and construction of the Welcome Building, will be heard next Wednesday (October 21) at The Witham, Barnard Castle.

Together, these projects are expected to create the equivalent of 200 full time jobs, 500 indirect jobs, 300 training and 800 volunteering opportunities as well as provide a huge boost to the local economy.

To support this, the cabinet will be asked to approve a range of measures including expansion and improvement of North Bondgate car park before the ACT take over responsibility for its ongoing operation and management.

It is also being asked to agree to an early surrender of the council’s lease on Auckland Castle Park to the Trust, providing free public access is continued.

Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, said: “The range of exciting plans for Bishop Auckland is a once in a lifetime opportunity to provide a massive boost for the town in both jobs and the local economy.”