Exciting times await borough’s urban rejuvenation

Lively urban neighbourhoods, a technology innovation hub, and a £40m skills training centre are among the plethora of projects set to be completed in 2024.

Residential developments, which are crucial to the council’s regeneration plans, will see two major sites reach significant milestones in the next 12 months.

On St George’s Road and Bark Street, the construction of 58 modern townhouses with three and four bedrooms is expected to be finished early in the year.

Furthermore, a substantial phase of the Moor Lane development is also scheduled for completion in 2024, with work commencing on the site’s new apartment blocks.

Ultimately, Moor Lane will offer 218 apartments and townhouses, including 82 affordable homes, as well as commercial units and a new public space featuring green areas, extensive planting, and seating.

The new residents of the town centre will have plenty of activities to engage in, as Elizabeth Park, a refurbished Central Library, an expanded market, a new food hall, and the transformed Wellsprings building are all set to officially open this year.

The redesigned Bolton Central Library, which will open its doors early in 2024, will feature a new café, an expanded children’s area, improved social spaces, updated digital facilities, and a new mezzanine floor.

Across the street, a food hall and expanded outdoor area will be unveiled at Bolton Market, enhancing the appeal of this award-winning venue as a retail and leisure destination.

In addition, visitors to the newly established Elizabeth Park, situated on the former Odeon cinema site, will be able to enjoy seating areas, picnic tables, and a performance space at the beginning of the year.

The Wellsprings office building, located next to the Octagon and in close proximity to the Town Hall, is being transformed into a modern, flexible workspace for digital and creative start-ups, with a budget of £11.18m. The project is expected to be completed during the summer of 2024.

All four ventures have received support from the government’s Towns Fund.

2024 will also bring exciting announcements regarding plans for Church Wharf and Westpoint, another significant regeneration site off Moor Lane and Garside Street.

Outside of the town centre, substantial investments have been made in the borough’s district centres to cater to the needs and priorities of the local communities.

Farnworth is expected to be particularly active in 2024, with the opening of two major developments.

In September, the Bolton Institute of Medical Sciences will welcome its first cohort of students. This £40m project, backed by the government’s Levelling Up fund, is a collaborative effort between the University of Bolton, Bolton College, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, and the council. The institute will provide training for 3,000 learners annually in various clinical healthcare roles, including nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, and nutrition.

2024 will be the year when residents will finally witness and experience the tangible benefits of regeneration.

Linked to this project is an ambitious proposal for a new autonomous transport link between the hospital and the town centre, aiming to improve access and promote sustainable travel options.

Another significant project is also underway at Farnworth Green, on the site of the former precinct, with completion scheduled for the end of the year. Developed by renowned company CAPITAL&CENTRIC, this £24m neighbourhood will feature 97 homes, independent retailers, cafés, and green outdoor spaces.

Moreover, a major milestone will be reached at Horwich Loco Works, one of the largest brownfield sites in the UK and a key priority for Bolton Council. The construction of a link road connecting the development to Middlebrook will pave the way for 1,700 houses and commercial space.

Cllr Akhtar Zaman, Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, stated:

“We have been discussing the redevelopment of Bolton Town Centre and the wider borough for a considerable time.

“However, in 2024, residents will finally witness and experience the tangible benefits of regeneration.

“This will attract further interest and greater private investment, making Bolton an even more vibrant and appealing place to live, work, study, and visit.”