A TOWN centre and an historic railway line are set to be boosted by regeneration work, it has been revealed.

The Stockton and Darlington Railway and Bishop Auckland town centre have been chosen by Historic England as two of eight new Heritage Action Zones announced across the country.

Heritage Action Zones is a nationwide scheme supporting local authorities to unlock untapped potential in places that are rich in history and historic fabric to help them thrive, and improve quality of life for communities and businesses.

For the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the aim is to refurbish heritage features, like bridges and old railway buildings, along the 26-mile route in order to attract new visitors and boost the local economy for the railway’s bicentenary in 2025.

In Bishop Auckland, work will get underway to bring neglected buildings back into use to help rejuvenate the town centre and support its wider regeneration.

The railway project will be led by a partnership including Darlington Borough Council, Durham County Council, Stockton Borough Council, the Tees Valley Combined Authority, Friends of Stockton Darlington Railway and Historic England.

The Bishop Auckland project will be led by The Brighter Bishop Auckland Regeneration Partnership, bringing together Durham County Council, The Auckland Project, Eleven Arches, Bishop Auckland College, South Durham Enterprise Agency, Durham University and Historic England.

Heritage Minister John Glen said: “Our heritage not only tells the story of our past, it creates great places to live, work and visit.”

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for leisure, local environment and transport, said: “We are passionate about our railway heritage and this scheme has the potential to leave a lasting legacy, whilst providing a tremendous boost to plans for the 2025 bicentenary.”

Councillor Carl Marshall, of Durham County Council, said: “We’re delighted that Bishop Auckland has been chosen by Historic England as one of the country’s new Heritage Action Zones. We are keen to ensure that the town’s character and heritage will fully benefit the area for current and future generations alike.”

Carol Pyrah, planning director for Historic England in the North-East, said: “The Stockton and Darlington Railway and Bishop Auckland both have much to be proud about – from links to the Prince Bishops to world class railway heritage.

“Some of their historic sites and buildings are showing signs of neglect but with a little investment and imagination they can become assets to enjoy and benefit from again.”

The first wave of Heritage Action Zones were announced in March and included Sunderland. Funding for the second wave will be announced in spring.