Demolition marks start of major Bolton scheme

J FREELEY has completed the demolition of a former foundry in Bolton to pave the way for a £210m mixed-use scheme near the town centre.

The work represents the first stage of the 14-acre Church Wharf scheme, a joint venture between Ask Developments and investment firm Bluemantle.

It will have 340,000 sq ft of offices, 230 homes, a cinema, hotel and cafés, bars and restaurants.

The 32,000 sq ft former foundry, on Church Bank, was constructed in 1873 and was known as Booth Industries, later becoming The Wharf Foundry.

It was used for engineering and metal works and was once a major employer, supplying factories and mills around Manchester. But it has been derelict since the 1980s.

As well as demolishing the foundry, Manchester-based Freeley removed asbestos from the site, made good retained party walls to adjacent buildings and boundary walls, installed new fencing, and carried out drainage and tree clearance works.

During the 14-week project, 250 tonnes of cast iron and steel were removed from the site for recycling.

Freeley’s managing director John Freeley said: “Our experienced team succeeded in dealing with the challenges of demolishing a substantial, dangerous building, while ensuring that party and boundary walls were left in a safe and stable condition.

“We worked closely with the Environment Agency, as environmental concerns played a big part in the project, which called for sensitive and careful dismantling.

“We are pleased to have played a key role in marking the start of this significant commercial and leisure development in Bolton.”