A CAR park could see a change in management and be extended to accommodate thousands of extra visitors expected to flock to Bishop Auckland in coming years.

Durham County Council has started consultation on a proposal to expand the town’s North Bondgate car park.

Plans for new and improved visitor attractions, in particular at Auckland Castle and in the town’s Market Place, are expected to bring around 100,000 extra visitors to the area over the next two to three years.

The car park scheme is part of the Bishop Auckland Regeneration Plan and would involve creating extra parking spaces on derelict land next to the car park.

The proposed expansion would provide 133 additional spaces, including nine disabled access spaces, two electric charging bays and three large spaces to accommodate minibuses.

The council is working with Auckland Castle Trust, which is developing plans to restore, conserve and expand the visitor attraction at Auckland Castle.

The council is also considering a change in the management of the car park.

It proposed leasing the site to Auckland Castle Trust, which would take over responsibility for maintenance costs as well as its operation and management.

Durham County Councillor Neil Foster, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “The Bishop Auckland Regeneration Plan is aimed at boosting the town’s economy and attracting more visitors.

“Clearly if we are to be successful in achieving this we must ensure we have enough parking spaces within the town to accommodate those extra visitors.

“We’re proposing to expand the North Bondgate car park as part of the overall plans and we would like to know what residents and businesses think.”

Liz Fisher, director of operations at Auckland Castle Trust, said: “Over the next two to three years we expect a growth in visitor numbers to 120,000 per year.

“We want to ensure that visitors have a great experience from the moment they arrive in the town while at the same time making sure that both residents and visitors have access to convenient parking spaces.”

But concerns have been raised that the proposals could eventually lead to a hike in parking charges.

Durham County Councillor for Bishop Auckland, Cllr Sam Zair, said: “We should embrace the Trust’s plans for the town but I don’t agree that the car parks should be handed over to them.”

People can view the plans and give their feedback at Bishop Auckland Town Hall library, on Market Place, between Monday, June 1 and Tuesday, June 16.

Project officers will be available to discuss the plans on June 4, 5 and 6.

Online consultation is available at durham.gov.uk/consultation until June 19.