A £25m housing plan to transform part of a Greater Manchester town centre has been given the go-ahead.
The completion of a major regeneration project in the centre of Bolton has moved a step closer, after build-to-rent developer Placefirst was granted planning approval for its Croal Valley development.
North West-based Placefirst, in partnership with award winning architects Levitt Bernstein and landscape architects CW Studio, said it will deliver 158 "stylish" homes, made up of apartments and houses.
The development is designed around a network of pedestrian priority streets, a square, courtyards, rooftop terraces and residents’ gardens. The scheme will also include commercial space to let to local businesses.
David Mawson, chief executive for Placefirst, said: “Having worked closely with Bolton Council for the past couple of years to make sure this project offers the right design for the town centre, we are excited to see this scheme move on to the next stage.
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"Our aim has always been to leave positive lasting effects on any development we are involved in and we are confident that the Croal Valley development will prove fantastic for this area of Bolton.
“We are proud to be involved in addressing the lack of high-quality housing within the town centre and create a thriving community.
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"We can’t wait to see the transformation this development has, all while offering local people a great option to rent affordable modern properties as an alternative to the financial headache of buying a house.”
The development will occupy 1.1 hectares at a brownfield site currently occupied by vacant buildings and a car park.
It is located to the North of Deansgate, opposite the former Beales/Whittakers department store and extending to the River Croal.
Placefirst said it has worked with Bolton Council and other stakeholders for the past two years, including holding detailed discussions and putting its proposals to independent design review panels.
The development will include a new courtyard square and improvements to the River Croal such as a river walk, channel widening and extensive landscape treatments.
Construction of the project will begin in April with final completion expected in 2023.
Deputy leader of Bolton Council and portfolio holder for regeneration, Coun Martyn Cox said: “Croal Valley is a vital site in Bolton Councils town centre masterplan.
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"The planning approval for Placefirst’s plans will bring much needed modern housing and attractive public spaces on a brownfield site.
"The new development is set in the heart of Bolton and will attract more people, create new jobs and position our town centre as a desirable place to live and work."