Multi-million pound proposals to knock down a failing shopping centre and replace it with a state-of-the-art retail, dining, office and accommodation complex, have been revealed.
Crompton Place Shopping Centre, on Victoria Square, Bolton , is set to be demolished to make way for ambitious plans put forward by Bolton Regeneration Limited, a partnership between Beijing Construction and Engineering Group International (BCEGI) and Midia.
The new complex, which is being provisionally named ‘Bolton Victoria Square’, is one of five key areas in Bolton Council’s £1.5bn masterplan - along with Trinity Quarter, Cheadle Square, Church Wharf and the Croal Valley.
According to the drawings, it would be split into five buildings, with Shipgate, Fold Street and Chancery Lane being re-established as walkways between each. This will also open up direct routes between Victoria Square and Bradshawgate.
Boots, in Mealhouse Lane is to be transformed into a hotel under the plans, while keeping the Victorian facade of the building.
The plans were put to a three-day public consultation last November and Steven Turner, Director of Bolton Regeneration Limited, described the "overwhelmingly positive response" they received.
He said: “We would like to thank all of the people who came along to visit the public consultation events to share their views on our exciting plans for Bolton Victoria Square.
“We received an overwhelmingly positive response from the public and believe this development meets the needs of the local community and visitors alike whilst stimulating long-term economic growth for the town centre and wider borough.”
Councillor David Greenhalgh, Leader of Bolton Council added: “We are committed to making Bolton town centre a great place to live, work, shop and visit.
“The council’s £100m fund has resulted in significant developer and investor confidence in Bolton, and it’s great to see such an exciting scheme coming forward with the aim of transforming the heart of the town centre.”
The proposals are the latest in a long-line of announced improvements to Bolton town centre.
Last week, Bolton Council announced that they would be creating a 'digital city' in the heart of the town centre.
In November, the Manchester Evening News also reported how Le Mans Crescent would be transformed with plans submitted to convert the old Bolton Magistrates’ Court building into an 87-bedroom, luxury boutique hotel.
