Bolton town centre’s flagship regeneration project is set to take a major step forward, with a clear plan for the demolition and redevelopment of Crompton Place.
A report due to go before Bolton Council’s cabinet next month seeks approval to appoint a demolition contractor and to identify a developer partner for the site.
By acquiring and demolishing Crompton Place, the council aims to present potential investors with a low-risk development-ready site in a prime location.
If the report is approved, developers would be invited to take part in an open, transparent and competitive process to bring the area forward for development.
Once complete, demolition would reestablish a direct link between Victoria Square and Bradshawgate, opening up the town centre, allowing for the regeneration of Bradshawgate and creating more public space.
The report also details plans for “meanwhile use” of the space created by demolition to ensure the area is not left vacant or fenced off.
This latest report follows extensive work by the council to facilitate the relocation of existing tenants in Crompton Place.
This includes Primark’s upcoming move to Market Place on November 27 and the surrender of the lease on the former M&S building earlier this year.
It fits with the council’s aim of consolidating a quality retail offer around Market Place while creating a more vibrant town centre with the right mix of residential, hospitality, leisure and employment space.
Successful delivery of the Crompton Place scheme is also expected to be a catalyst for further private-sector investment in other areas of the town centre.
Bolton Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, said:
“We know from speaking to residents that the demolition and redevelopment of Crompton Place is a top priority and I am sure the public will welcome this news.
“The report sets out a clear pathway to demolish this underused building, work with developers to regenerate the site, while also making good use of the space in the meantime.
“The flagship redevelopment of Crompton Place will signal to the market that Bolton means business, bringing more private sector investment into the town centre.”
Crompton Place is the key project in the wider regeneration masterplan developed by Bolton Council, which has already delivered a number of schemes in the town centre and beyond.
The renovation of Bolton Central Library, Bolton Market Food Hall, Elizabeth Park, and the Wellsprings Innovation Centre have been backed by the government’s Towns Fund.
Residential developments at Moor Lane, Deansgate Gardens and Church Wharf will contribute to a growing town centre population which Deloitte projects will reach 5,000 over the next 15 years.
Success stories elsewhere in the borough include the Bolton Institute of Medical Sciences and CAPITAL&CENTRIC’s Farnworth Green urban neighbourhood development.