A “proud night” as the McIntyre building reopens in Bishop Auckland
The newly renovated McIntyre Centre in Bishop Auckland has reopened as a vibrant community hub offering skills training, job opportunities, and educational resources, thanks to a collaborative project led by Bishop Auckland College.
A historic landmark of Bishop Auckland that has touched the hearts of so many people has officially opened its doors again after being given a new lease of life thanks to a project led by Bishop Auckland College.
The newly renovated McIntyre Centre, an iconic Grade II listed building on Newgate Street, has reopened as a hub for community engagement, skills development and job creation.
Around 100 people were at the launch night, including members of the McIntyre family, Peter and Helen, Bishop Auckland Mayor Mike Harker and local Labour MP Sam Rushworth, Cllr Ted Henderson, Cabinet member for children and young people’s services at Durham County Council, as well as guests from industry, City & Guilds and Bishop Auckland FC. All were catered for by College staff and students.
“There is so much love for the building, and this is a true community venture," said Jennifer Phillips, Head of Community and Careers at Bishop Auckland College, who, alongside Judith Layfield, Vice Principal, played a pivotal role in restoring the building to its former glory.
“I have had people knocking on the door during the refurb, saying they worked there 65 years ago. This is an emotional occasion for so many and we are proud to have played a significant part in bringing it back to life.”
Originally a shoe shop established in the late 19th century by the McIntyre family, who were shoemakers and leather merchants, the building holds a special place in the lives of many Bishop Auckland residents.
The ambitious renovation, funded by the Conservation Area Grant Scheme, which is jointly funded by Durham County Council and Historic England, has been led by Bishop Auckland College, with Jennifer and Judith at the helm. The three-storey structure has been transformed into a vibrant multi-purpose space.
The McIntyre Centre will be the base for the Springboard to Employment scheme, run by the college and supported by the Stronger Towns Fund. Skills advisers have supported the project from North East Combined Authority, Bishop Auckland Town Council and The Auckland Project.
It features a restaurant and kitchen, providing training to those seeking careers in the hospitality and tourism sector. There is also a retail space for goods produced by small businesses.
Shaun Hope, Principal and CEO of Bishop Auckland College Group, said: "I didn't fully grasp the significance of this building until I moved here nine months ago. “The McIntyre Centre building is woven into the fabric of this town, a landmark that has touched countless lives for over a century. To have played a part in its restoration is a true privilege.
“This is a new chapter for the McIntyre Centre, a community hub where people of all ages can connect, learn and thrive. It's a testament to the spirit of Bishop Auckland and its commitment to building a brighter future together.
“This is more than just a beautiful building, it's a beacon of opportunity for Bishop Auckland. This space will be a hub for learning, skills development and job creation, empowering local people and enriching the community.”
The ground floor houses the restaurant and retail space, offering training and placement opportunities for young people in hospitality and retail. Upstairs lies a dedicated area for adult skills training, including digital skills, English, and maths, in partnership with the local job centre.
The project has already created six new roles, with the potential for more as the centre grows. Students from Bishop Auckland College will gain valuable work experience through placements in the training restaurant, which will be nurtured and monitored by a dedicated hospitality coordinator and training coordinator.
The McIntyre family, deeply rooted in the building's history, are equally proud of its revitalisation.
Peter McIntyre (a descendant of the original founder) and his wife Helen were involved throughout the project and at the opening. Peter, while looking at photographs of his great grandfather and great great grandfather on the walls when they used to provide shoes for the local deprived children in the area, said: "As a family we are really grateful for the way the College has respected the heritage of the building and restored the building’s original features.
“It is fantastic that this building dating back to 1892 is now being showcased in this way.”
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We are delighted to have supported this project to bring the McIntyre Centre building, which has been at the heart of its community for more than 150 years, back to life as an education hub that will help shape the next generation and tradespeople of the future.
“The new McIntyre Centre is part of our ongoing regeneration of Bishop Auckland and will join other new businesses opening their doors on Newgate Street. We’re looking forward to our continued partnership with Bishop Auckland College as we ensure Bishop Auckland is a thriving town to live, work and visit.”
