A County Durham charity, which is already investing more than £130m, is reaffirming its long-term commitment to the region, with the launch of a new identity and further opportunities for learning, employment and skills development.
Auckland Castle Trust, based in Bishop Auckland, was originally established in 2012 to protect 900 year-old Auckland Castle and a collection of paintings that have hung there for more than 250 years.
Over the past five years, its mission has expanded beyond the Castle walls and now stretches to working with a wide range of partners for the revitalisation of Bishop Auckland, its community and the North East beyond.
In order to reflect this broader focus, Auckland Castle Trust will now be known as The Auckland Project – a name chosen to reflect its continued evolution and long-term aspirations, while still honouring its Auckland Castle roots.
The Auckland Project will begin appearing on adverts, signage and other promotional materials over the coming days and weeks, with audiences introduced to a new logo, colour scheme and range of specially designed sub-brands covering all elements of the charity’s Future Plans.
All logos include a distinctive arch shape, inspired by the architecture of Auckland Castle, as well as a colour and symbol carefully chosen to represent each element of the scheme, such as a miner’s pickaxe, a stag’s head and a flower.
To coincide with the launch of its new look, The Auckland Project is developing a new range of programmes for all ages, designed to increase educational attainment, enhance employability, boost community spirit and improve health and wellbeing over the next 20 years.
Simultaneously, work is continuing on the charity’s plans to create a world-class visitor destination for families, foodies and art lovers, with construction well underway on several new attractions.
Mining Art Gallery opens on 21 October, while in spring 2018 the Auckland Tower, complete with a 15m high viewing platform offering unrivalled views across the town, and the restored Castle are both due to open.
For more information about Auckland Project and the opportunities available, please visit www.aucklandproject.org