Support for new development

12:25pm Monday 18th August 2008

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FAMILIES wanting a cinema back in Bishop Auckland are backing a £45m leisure and shopping development on the edge of the town.

The scheme for Tindale Crescent would give the town’s football club a long-awaited new stadium as well as a six-screen cinema, bowling alley, restaurants and Sainsbury’s supermarket.

Developers Terrace Hill say they will soon be submitting a planning application showing overwhelming support from people living in the area.

Their analysis of responses shows almost total backing for the cinema, in particular.

Around 220 people gave their views when proposals went on display in Bishop Auckland Town Hall.

Ninety six per cent said they wanted a better choice of leisure and food and drink outlets in the area of the site, which is on the former Warner Electrics factory at Tindale Crescent.

The six-screen, 1,000-seat cinema, bowling alley and restaurants received 95 per cent support, while 87 per cent were in favour of a new Sainsbury’s supermarket.

Less people, 68 per cent, said they wanted a bingo hall on the site.

Duncan McEwan, Terrace Hill director, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback received so far.

"Before the exhibition we were confident that out proposals would receive a favourable response.

"However nothing had prepared us for this level of support.

"One of the most frequent comments was that mums and dads currently have to make a 60 mile round trip to take their kids to the cinema.

"Our plans would not only bring first-class leisure facilities to their doorstep and improve the choice in food shopping for the area, but also give Bishop Auckland FC a much needed home of their own.

Our planning application for the proposals will be submitted shortly once we have had an opportunity of taking account of the many representations made."

Bishop Auckland FC chairman Terry Jackson said: "We cannot wait for this new development to happen, and to finally move into a brand new ground.

"We now hope that the application will be supported so that the ground and surrounding developments can be constructed in time for the opening of the 2010-2011 season.