Bishop Auckland's former masonic hall set for revamp

The building has fallen into a state of disrepair in recent years, councillors were told

A former masonic hall at risk of being "lost" is to be turned into an artist's workshop and apartments.

The building in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, was more recently used as a function space for private events but has fallen into disrepair with several broken and boarded-up windows.

Police discovered a cannabis farm inside the property in 2021.

Durham County Council heard it was in a "sorry state" and granted planning permission for the scheme.

'No-brainer'

Applicant Graham Thomas said an additional hole in the roof had appeared after Christmas and warned: "If the building does not have a new purpose fit for modern times, it will be lost."

He also told the planning meeting that living accommodation would help boost footfall in the town centre.

Grant funding is available from Historic England and Durham County Council, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Business owner and county councillor Sam Zair said the building, on the corner of Victoria Avenue and Kingsway, had attracted adverse comments on social media due to its dilapidated state.

He added: "It's nice to see one of our great buildings being brought back into use again. It's a no-brainer."

The property opened in 1877 as a temperance hall.