The next stage of a health centre and library for Little Lever is about to start with demolition work to the old Tesco store.
The former store, in the precinct on Market Street will be demolished and replaced by the new facility.
The new facility will replace Little Lever’s current library, in Coronation Square, which has outgrown demand from the local community.
Work started this week and the demolition of the old building will be complete in early September with commencement of building work in mid-September.
The development of Little Lever Health Centre and Library fits within the overall strategic plan for Bolton Council and NHS and Bolton CCG to invest in and expand medical, health and educational facilities in Little Lever.
“We’re pleased that the next chapter is about to begin for the library and health services in Little Lever,” said Councillor David Greenhalgh, Leader of Bolton Council.
“It’s a facility that is much needed and I’m delighted that we can now start to make it a reality.
“We made a commitment when we formed the new administration that regeneration wasn’t only about Bolton Town Centre but that our districts needed to see progress. That commitment has remained despite the challenges of COVID.
“It forms part of the draft masterplan for Little Lever which is being developed by local residents, and is all part of the commitment of the council and our partners to the town centres around the borough, with £16 million available for the four main town centres other than Bolton.”
The current Little Lever Library, in Coronation Square, not far from the current building, was opened in 1940 and is considered a valuable asset to the community, as well as providing traditional library services. However, at just over 1200 square feet in size it has been unable to grow with demand.
The council purchased the empty supermarket in 2017 when Tesco opened a new large store nearby. The council is working with NHS Bolton CCG, the Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and local GP practices on the design for the new facility.
The future use of the current library building will be decided in due course, but it is hoped to retain it for community use and the Little Lever war memorial will be retained and preserved.