The regeneration of Crompton Place could start as early as this year under new plans to be considered by Bolton Council’s cabinet.
The council acquired Crompton Place in 2018, before beginning the complex process of supporting leaseholders to relocate so demolition work could start.
Among the small number of remaining leaseholders is M&S, which retains access rights to its former store via the roof of Crompton Place and the bridge across Hotel Street.
This legal agreement lasts until 2027, but the cabinet is set to consider options to agree an early surrender of the lease.
If accepted, it could allow for work to start as soon as Primark completes its planned move to Market Place Shopping Centre in late 2024 or early 2025.
The early stages of the project will focus on stripping the internal structure of the building, followed by work on the exterior.
The council will provide regular updates on progress and a public consultation will be held about the future use of this essential site.
The space will continue to play an important role in the heart of the town centre before, during and after regeneration work takes place.
Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Nick Peel, said:
“The redevelopment of Crompton Place is a once in a generation opportunity at the heart of the regeneration of our town centre, and I am sure everyone will join me in welcoming this major update.
“If agreed, this will present us with an opportunity to replace an underused and unappealing building with something everyone in Bolton can be proud of.
“It also gives us the opportunity to enhance Victoria Square and open up a direct link to Bradshawgate, with various buildings and open spaces on the site, rather than the single large building we have at present.
“This will be our flagship redevelopment project, signalling to the private sector that Bolton Council is serious about regeneration and thereby attracting even more commercial investment.”
The council has already helped the majority of shops previously based in Crompton Place to relocate to other areas of the town centre including Market Place and Victoria Plaza.
This is part of the council’s plan to consolidate and concentrate Bolton’s retail offer, creating more space for residential, hospitality, leisure, and employment opportunities.
Bolton Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, said:
“Shopping will always be an essential part of Bolton’s identity. But as more people shop online, modern town centres have to be about more than just retail.
“We are working to create a more vibrant destination where people want to live, work, study, eat out and enjoy our many cultural venues.
“Regeneration projects like this are backed by our strategies to attract more visitors, hold more cultural events and make the town centre a safer and more welcoming place.”
The report will be considered at a cabinet meeting on Monday, March 4.