Transformation of historic site into ‘showcase for taste of the North East’ approved

Plans to transform a historic building in Bishop Auckland which dates back to 1800 into a concept bar and dining venue showcasing North East produce has been given the green light. A director of the company behind the scheme told Insider the aim is to ‘restore the site to its former glory’ while creating something “local people and visitors can be proud of”.The property at 25 Newgate Street, known as the McIntrye building, is grade II-listed.The company behind the proposals is Go To Leisure Group Ltd, led by Carl Marshall and his wife Anna.According to the application, the project could create 25 jobs. Staff will be given extensive training in customer service and on the products the venue is selling.Marshall added that he wants to create a place “local people and visitors will be proud of” while ‘restoring the Mcintyre building to its former glory’.The first floor will comprise a bar, with a restaurant on the second floor along with a small roof terrace.Work on the ground floor is set to begin after Christmas, with an opening scheduled for March. The second phase, which includes the restaurant, will start once the bar is complete and could be open for Christmas 2021.In their notice of approval, Durham planners said the project would “make positive re-use of a vacant grade II-listed building within the Bishop Auckland conservation area”.A heritage statement filed with the application describes 25 Newgate Street as a “prominent building and derives its significance from its traditional architectural detailing and historic features”.