Skip to main content

Back to News

STACK Bishop Auckland given go-ahead

4th Apr 2023

We’re onboard an ambitious plan to bring a leading leisure brand to Bishop Auckland, County Durham, which has now been given the go-ahead as part of a commitment to make the market town a top visitor destination.

The Danieli Group announced last year its plan to bring its popular STACK brand to the town, not only providing a place for people to eat, drink and be entertained but also a new opportunity for local food operators.

On 23 March 2023, councillors gave the green light to the scheme, which will see the creation of the mixed-use venue at Newgate Street, right in the heart of the town centre.

Following our previous role on STACK Seaburn, one of this site’s two predecessors, we’ve once again been appointed by the developer to deliver civil and structural engineering design.

While STACK Seaburn in Sunderland and STACK Newcastle were created out of shipping containers, STACK Bishop Auckland will be a purpose-built building, housing all of the signature elements that the brand has become renowned for.

The company was appointed as development partner by Durham County Council to bring the scheme to fruition, initially borne out of feedback from the 2019 Town Centre Masterplan which highlighted the need for more leisure outlets.

Neill Winch, CEO of Danieli Group, said:

We are delighted that the council has given STACK Bishop Auckland the go ahead and recognise what it will mean to the town. Bringing together independent food traders, an outlet for musicians and a venue for special events will provide a huge boost for the local economy. STACK has been a huge success story wherever we have opened and we are looking forward to creating that same excitement – and level of prosperity – in Bishop Auckland.

Work should begin immediately with a view to opening spring 2024.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said:

We are very much looking forward to welcoming STACK to Bishop Auckland as part of our ambitious plans to regenerate the town. “This will provide a significant boost to the local economy and help to shine a spotlight on the town as a vibrant visitor destination, with its food and leisure offer helping to attract people from across the county and beyond. “As we have seen with other locations in the region, STACK has proved a fantastic starting point from which traders have been able to develop. It has also helped to attract a range of other businesses alongside its own venues, unlocking great potential and opportunities for the region’s economy.