A hunt has been launched for a development partner to spearhead the flagship transformation of Crompton Place in Bolton's city centre.
Bolton council says that the project will yield a 'vibrant, residential-led mixed use development including hotel, office and commercial space'.
The authority added that the new development would be 'surrounded by the town's rich heritage assets, vibrant amenities, and excellent transport links'. The process, which is anticipated to take a year from the tender notice publication to contract signature, will require the successful bidder to enhance public spaces and re-establish a direct pedestrian route between Victoria Square and Bradshawgate.
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Crompton Place was originally opened as an Arndale Centre in 1971. It was renamed in 1989 in honour of Bolton-born industrialist Samuel Crompton, the inventor of the cotton spinning mule.
The council plans to demolish the centre after purchasing it in 2018 as part of its town centre regeneration scheme. The latest move involves issuing a tender notice using a new competitive flexible procedure under the Procurement Act 2023.
The council stated that this marks the second significant step forward following the application to demolish the former shopping centre. Subject to planning approval later this year, the demolition is expected to take just 50 weeks and be completed in a single phase.
The council is collaborating with property advisors CBRE to transform Crompton Place. Council Leader Nick Peel stated: "Crompton Place represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and we look forward to welcoming the right development partner to take the transformation of Bolton to the next level.
"We continue to see the successful delivery of regeneration projects in the town centre and across the wider borough, including neighbourhood Moor Lane, Deansgate Gardens and the first phase of Church Wharf.
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"Having now launched this procurement opportunity on Crompton Place we are sending a clear signal that Bolton means business. "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: "This is another significant step forward to find 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 £10 billion investment plan. The council will be procuring its development partner with the support of CBRE, Trowers & Hamlins, and KPMG."
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