The new £6.4 million Bishop Auckland Bus Station has opened to passengers, marking a significant upgrade to the town centre's transport infrastructure.

Delivered by Esh Construction for Durham County Council, the hub replaces the previous facility on Saddler Street and is designed to provide a modern, safe and welcoming gateway for residents and visitors.

Representatives from Esh joined Durham County Council for a formal opening following completion of the station and £1.8 million of associated enabling works. The scheme forms part of wider regeneration plans to improve connectivity and support the town's long-term vitality.

Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: "Esh is proud to have delivered a modern, fully accessible transport hub that will play an important role in supporting Bishop Auckland's regeneration and strengthening local connectivity.

"Working closely with Durham County Council, this project reflects our commitment to delivering high‑quality infrastructure that serves communities across the region, while also creating meaningful social value and opportunities locally."

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The station offers live passenger information, CCTV, toilet facilities (including accessible toilets, a Changing Places unit and a parent and child facility) and a retail kiosk. Accessibility measures include anti-slip flooring, seating and wheelchair spaces positioned at the front of each waiting area. The surrounding area has been landscaped with new paving, drainage and street lighting.

More than 120 hot rolled steel girders, with a combined weight of 23.49 tonnes, were installed and fabricated less than two miles away by South Durham Structures Ltd.

Sustainability features include rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, a rainwater harvesting and re-use system, and a Sedum green roof to encourage biodiversity.

A new 124-space car park provides accessible bays for wheelchair users and Blue Badge holders, alongside motorcycle bays, electric vehicle charging points and cycle parking.

Cllr Tim McGuinness, Durham County Council's Cabinet member for rural, farming and transport, said: "The completion of Bishop Auckland Bus Station is a major step in our plans to regenerate Bishop Auckland and boost its standing as a thriving market town and visitor destination.

"The bus station looks fantastic and will provide the local community with modern, up-to-date facilities so they can access opportunities within the county and beyond. It will also serve as a positive welcome for visitors travelling into the centre for Bishop Auckland's growing culture, heritage and events offer.

"In addition, the site provides ample car parking with more than 120 new spaces for visitors to use. This will help to bring people into the town, address parking shortages, and reduce pressure on residential areas. This is a big step for Bishop Auckland, and we're excited to welcome the first passengers."

The project delivered £2.2 million in social value, including 37 weeks of work experience and T‑Level time for County Durham students, 55 weeks of on-site work by County Durham veterans and reservists, 97 hours of STEM and employability activities in schools and education settings, and a £2.2 million spend in the County Durham supply chain.

Bishop Auckland Bus Station has been developed using £11.8 million from the Future High Streets Fund.