Planning permission has been granted for the £250million redevelopment of Bolton’s Crompton Place Shopping Centre.
The regeneration of the site sits at the heart of the council’s £1.5bn town centre masterplan.
The mixed-use scheme for the site includes a 110-bedroom hotel, 150 homes, 10,500m² of office space, and a mixed-use retail, leisure, dining and events space dubbed “Bolton Works”.
The space is designed to accommodate independent retailers and food operators and also includes incubator space for small business start-ups.
A comprehensive public realm design will provide a predominantly pedestrianised environment with user-friendly “shared surfaces”.
The project is being brought forward by Bolton Regeneration Ltd, a partnership between Beijing Construction Engineering Group International (BCEGI) and regeneration specialists Midia Group, which is working alongside Bolton Council to realise the scheme.
Those behind the plan say the development will be “seamlessly integrated” into the wider streetscape and urban fabric to help reunite Bradshawgate with Victoria Square and improve the access and pedestrian flows within the town centre.
It will also act as a formal backdrop to the town hall, completing the high-quality set-piece of the square and featuring a colonnade which shelters artisan cafés and restaurants.
Bolton Council’s deputy leader Martyn Cox said: “This is a major milestone for Crompton Place, which is a fundamental part of our £1.5bn town centre masterplan.
“These plans will create a destination which combine town centre living, retail and leisure in a top-quality environment. It means new homes, new jobs, and new businesses coming to Bolton.
“As the high street continues to face challenges particularly from the coronavirus pandemic, this is a really significant development.
“Now that approval has been granted, we look forward to working with Bolton Regeneration Ltd to progress the plans, and we will continue to keep the businesses in the centre updated as things progress.
“When work starts on the redevelopment, businesses will need to relocate and it is important to the council that we work hard to keep them in the town centre.”
Steven Turner, director of Bolton Regeneration Limited, added: “Our vision of a vibrant living, working and creative community at the heart of Bolton has taken a significant step forward.
“We believe this development will significantly improve the town centre offer, broaden its appeal, complement existing attractions, and enhance the surrounding historic fabric. We look forward to commencing the next steps with the aim of commencing construction next year.”
For further information e visit www.boltonvictoriasqare.co.uk or contact info@boltonvictoriasquare.co.uk