WHEN a new museum opens next month it will signal the start of exciting things to come in a North-East town waiting for its rebirth.

The boss of a charity, which aims to pull in half a million visitors, believes a series of new attractions set to open in Bishop Auckland over the next three years will not only create a major tourism destination but revitalise the area.

The Auckland Project, originally known as the Auckland Castle Trust, was established in 2012 to protect the 900-year-old Auckland Castle and the Zurbaran paintings that have hung there for more than 250 years.

Since then plans have been put in place to renovate the Castle, create Auckland Tower, Spanish Art Gallery, Walled Garden, Mining Art Gallery, Faith Museum and Deer Park.

The first site to open will be a Mining Art Gallery, which will open on Saturday, October 21, and will signify the charity’s intent to see the town restored to its former glory.

David Maddan, chief executive officer for The Auckland Project, said: “Since its launch on 2012, Auckland Castle Trust has worked hard to achieve its original mission and ensure that as many people as possible could enjoy Auckland Castle and its collection of paintings by Spanish master Francisco de Zurbaran.

“During that time we have also made great strides in our ambition to transform the Castle into a visitor destination of international significance.

“Work is underway on the restoration of the Grade-I listed Castle, as well as the creation of new attractions within the grounds and in the adjacent Market Place.

“At the same time we are strengthening our commitment to Bishop Auckland, County Durham and the wider North-East and expanding our focus beyond bricks and mortar.”

The community is expected to have a strong association with the Mining Art Gallery given the history of the area.

Once it is opened, Auckland Tower will come together quite quickly and be ready for visitors in the spring and the renovation of Auckland Castle will follow soon after.

This will be followed within the next three years by the reimagined 17 Century Walled Garden, Faith Museum and the Spanish Art Gallery.

The charity has committed more than £130m to the projects, with the aim of creating 400 direct jobs, 8,000 opportunities for learning and skills development and 60 new apprenticeships.

Liz Fisher, director of engagement for The Auckland Project, said: “The Auckland Project’s new engagement strategy has been designed with the aim of helping bring about positive and lasting change in the lives of the local community and visitors alike.

“We are developing an extended range of initiatives under the learning throughout life, quality of life and skills for life umbrellas, which we hope will enable participants to believe in their own potential and take real steps towards achieving it.”

Mr Maddan added: “This is not just about creating a tourism, it is about revitalising the town.

“Bishop Auckland has had a tough time for a long time and this is about restoring it to its former glory.

“This is not a short term thing, it will be for generations. We won’t get there in a day but we know exactly which direction we want to go in and we will get there.”