Derelict Shoe Zone building in Bishop Auckland cordoned off

The damage to the former Shoe Zone shop in Bishop Auckland has raised fresh concerns over its condition and highlighted the need for structural work to be completed as soon as possible.

The Newgate Street building has long been a source of frustration for locals. Structural issues are at least partly to blame for delaying work on the much-anticipated Stack development next door, seen as central to the regeneration of the run-down town centre.

Now, the Shoe Zone shop front has been boarded up after a windowpane at the front of the shop came away from its frame, which police say was an act of criminal damage.

The property has stood empty since Shoe Zone vacated last year and had a smashed window for weeks before the glass came down in the early hours of Monday morning (August 18).

The Shoe Zone shop front in Bishop Auckland has been boarded up after an instance of criminal damage as fresh concerns over the buildings structure are raised (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)Work on the Stack site was halted in March due to structural concerns with nearby buildings and cost pressures.

Monitoring has since been carried out because of movement in the Shoe Zone building, which is currently being propped up by scaffolding.

In an effort to progress the Stack development, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and Durham County Council have provided a £2 million grant to secure the Shoe Zone building next to Stack to stop the delays.

And it is still hoped that the entertainment venue will open by spring 2026.

The Shoe Zone shop front in Bishop Auckland with a police cordon surrounding it on Monday (August 18) after criminal damage (Image: LEWIS TAYLOR) Mayor of Bishop Auckland Sam Zair said he was “delighted” that fresh funding has now been secured to tackle the problems and keep the project on track.

He said: “Like so many others, I can’t wait to see Stack open its doors, we are grateful for the funding from Kim McGuinness and the Combined Authority to ensure the STACK will open in Bishop Auckland.”

The current cordon around the Shoe Zone shop front in Bishop Auckland (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Locals suggest the interior of the shop was being used as shelter by homeless people, but this has not been confirmed.

Durham Constabulary said the incident of criminal damage is believed to have happened between Sunday and the early hours of Monday. Examination of CCTV footage is underway and an investigation is ongoing.

READ MORE COVERAGE ON THIS STACK DEVELOPMENT:

Graham Wood, Durham County Council’s economic development manager, said: “After being made aware of a broken window at the site, we secured the building to prevent unauthorised access.

“Although there is no change to the structural condition of the building, we continue to monitor this ahead of improvements being carried out.

“We remain in ongoing discussions with the owner about how we can work together to complete these necessary repairs and ensure the property is structurally sound.

“This will allow works to resume at nearby developments and help to bring the empty property back into use, which is one of our key priorities as we aim to revitalise the county’s high streets.”

The Northern Echo has contacted Shoe Zone for a statement.