The redevelopment of Bolton's Crompton Place shopping centre is set to progress as a demolition contractor is due to be appointed. The town centre's flagship regeneration project is included in a report that will be presented to Bolton Council's cabinet next month, which also seeks approval to identify a developer partner for the site.
The council has stated that by acquiring and demolishing Crompton Place, it 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 participate in an open, transparent and competitive process to bring the area forward for development.
Once complete, the demolition would re-establish 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 outlines plans for 'meanwhile use' of the space created by demolition to ensure the area is not left vacant or fenced off.
Existing tenants in Crompton Place are set to be relocated, including Primark, who will move to Market Place on November 27 following the surrender of the lease on the former M&S building earlier this year. The council aims to create a revitalised town centre by concentrating high-quality retail around Market Place, complemented by a mix of housing, hospitality, leisure, and employment spaces.
Coun Akhtar Zaman, Bolton Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration, 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."
Several town centre and borough-wide projects have already been initiated in recent years, including the refurbishment of Bolton central library, the market food hall, Elizabeth Park, and the Wellsprings Innovation Centre, all backed by the government's Towns Fund. To join the Manchester Politics WhatsApp group, click here.
Furthermore, residential projects at Moor Lane, Deansgate Gardens, and Church Wharf will contribute to the town centre's growing population. Other recent developments in the borough include the Bolton Institute of Medical Sciences and the Farnworth Green urban neighbourhood development.
