A County Durham college principal has said he hopes a newly renovated town centre building can become the beating heart of the community again.
Shaun Hope, Bishop Auckland College principal, has spoken about the reopening of the McIntyre Centre, which has undergone renovations to transform it into a community hub.
The Grade II listed building, on Newgate Street, was previously a shoe shop and leather goods store for more than 100 years before it was left vacant.
However, it has now been brought back to life through a renovation project funded by the Conservation Area Grant Scheme.
The building will now serve as a multi-purpose space offering skills training, job opportunities, and educational resources.
