Plans have been lodged to add two floors to a vacant office building to create a 27-home block of flats close to Bolton town centre. The Quest Centre on Brownlow Way, Halliwell, is the subject of a planning application registered this week by developers Arms Group Ltd.
They propose extending the building by adding two additional floors above ground level. The extended building will then be fully refurbished and converted to create 27 self-contained apartments.
In 2020, the building, then owned by Bolton Council, was handed over to the charity Bolton Nice, (Neighbourhood Investment in Community Enterprise).
The charity provides a wide range of services for those who have fallen on hard times in the borough.
READ MORE: LIVE updates from the King and Queen Consort's visit to Greater Manchester
However, in May 2021, the charity was told that Bolton Council was selling the Quest building, meaning they would need to vacate the premises within weeks. The building has been empty and unused since then.
A design and access statement with the plans, said: “A previous application was submitted to convert the building to a retail use but that has recently been withdrawn due to concerns raised relating to the access and highways impact.
“In addition, the proposed tenant has withdrawn their interest.”
The external parking areas and access arrangements will not change and the parking areas will now be allocated to the residential units on a first come first served basis.
“It is also noted that the target market for the flats is based on occupiers who would be expected to rely on public transport, rather than their own personal vehicle,” it said. The building currently has a shared access with a Morrison’s local convenience store next door.
The plans add: “Outdoor amenity space is accessible at Thomasson Park, approximately 350m away from the building. “Due to the location of the building and the surround landing and property uses, it is considered that the use of the building for residential purposes is appropriate and sustainable.”
The make up of the planned apartments would be 25 one-bedroom flats and two apartments with two bedrooms. The majority of the flats would be suitable for single- person occupancy with some suitable for two or three people.
If given the go ahead, the additional floors will raise the total height from ground level from 7.15 metres to approximately 13.3 metres, which the developers claim will not ‘have a detrimental impact on the area’.
The application will be considered by planners in Bolton in the coming weeks.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- The tragedy of an 'adored' dad-of-three, 29, killed in tram crash
- Mum left with bald patches after 'drunk woman' hurled abuse and ripped out her hair in attack that halted Lewis Capaldi gig
- 'Selfish' parents caught parking across driveways near primary school
- The hilltop trail in Greater Manchester with stunning views on a clear winter’s day
- Perverted loner who took hundreds of pictures of women's bottoms is now behind bars
