The regeneration of Crompton Place has taken another major step forward with a detailed plan to clear the site within a year of demolition work starting.
Bolton Council has applied to demolish the former shopping centre, which the authority purchased in 2018 as part of its town centre regeneration masterplan.
Pending planning approval later this year, demolition would take just 50 weeks and be completed in a single phase.
Visitors to the town centre will quickly see the benefits, thanks to the reintroduction of a direct pedestrian route between Victoria Square and Bradshawgate.
There are also plans to use a key part of the newly cleared space for public performances, events, pop-up markets and more.
This “meanwhile use”, during the short period between demolition and the start of new developments, will ensure the area remains vibrant and continues to attract visitors to the Town Centre and support surrounding businesses.
This is the latest example of the council purchasing empty or underused spaces in the town centre and creating development-ready sites to attract investors.
The same approach has already delivered results at Moor Lane, Deansgate Gardens and Bark Street, with a planning application for Church Wharf expected this Spring.
The transformation of Crompton Place is Bolton’s flagship redevelopment project and work is well underway to find the right developers for the site.
The intention is to secure a development partner as soon as possible, so that plans for “meanwhile use” can be in place before demolition starts and so development can start quickly.
Developers will hold public consultation on the future for the site, including details of the scheme will benefit the wider town centre.
Planning was previously granted for a mixed used development to replace Crompton Place, including leisure and hospitality venues, demonstrating the area’s enormous potential.
The demolition is only now possible following years of work to support the previous tenants of Crompton Place to relocate elsewhere in the town centre.
Primark’s recent relocation was a key stage in work to consolidate the town’s shopping area around the Market Place.
Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Nick Peel, said:
“This demolition plan marks the start of a truly transformational project in the heart of Bolton town centre.
“Last year saw several regeneration projects successfully delivered, but the start of work on Crompton Place sends a clear signal that Bolton means business.
“We have already had significant interest in the site, and we are confident that investment in the site will attract even more developers to other parts of the town centre.”
CBRE Executive Director, Adam White, said:
“Situated in the heart of Bolton town centre and surrounded by the town's rich heritage assets, vibrant amenities, and excellent transport links, the Crompton Place redevelopment is a cornerstone of the council and the Greater Manchester Mayor's place-based regeneration strategy.
“The council is committed to enabling the site by facilitating the complete demolition of the outdated shopping centre and is seeking a best-in-class development partner to deliver a high-quality, inclusive, residential-led mixed-use scheme.
“The council has a proven track record in securing public sector financial support; and Crompton Place is a vital component of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's recently announced £10 billion investment plan.
“The council will be procuring its development partner with the support of CBRE.”