Bolton launches £25m bid for town centre regeneration

A £25m investment plan has been put forward for Bolton town centre in a bid to secure a slice of the Government’s £3.6bn Towns Fund.

Bolton is one of 101 places that have been given the opportunity to secure backing from the fund.

Bolton Council’s plans for the town centre would see improvements to existing locations, including Bolton Market, Central Library, and Aquarium, as well as the creation of green spaces and pocket parks, and a new innovation hub created for growing and start-up businesses in the Wellsprings.

Belinda Beaver, chair of Bolton’s Town Deal Board

Belinda Beaver, chair of Bolton’s Town Deal Board and director at Agitare Business Consultancy, said: “A lot of hard work has got us to this point and I am really excited about these projects.

“Collaboration has been key to the decisions that have been made regarding appropriate investment of Towns Fund monies and the people of Bolton should be proud of these outcomes – they will make a difference to our town centre and set the stage for regeneration.

“2021 will see the town centre landscape change for the better and help secure Bolton’s recovery following the pandemic, providing upgraded facilities to businesses, residents and visitors alike.”

The fund aims to support regeneration, skills development and connectivity through green spaces by giving each place its own Town Deal.

The next stage of the process will involve the council agreeing Heads of Terms with government and developing a full business case for the projects, which are: