Council gives green light to transform Farnworth market precinct

Capital&Centric Farnworth plans

Manchester developer Capital&Centric has been given the go-ahead for its plans to transform the former Farnworth market precinct into a vibrant new town centre community.

Bolton Council’s planning committee approved an outline planning application for the regeneration proposals at its meeting today (September 2).

The stars of BBC2 documentary Manctopia have been consulting on its outline vision throughout the year and are planning to deliver 12 family homes which will sit alongside 82 apartments, as well as 2,200 sq m of new retail, commercial and communal space.

A new linear park is planned, providing a landscaped green hang out space for all local residents to enjoy. The developer is looking to create a bustling new public square which could become a new central destination for Farnworth to host artisan markets, live events, art galleries and pop-ups for foodies.

The former market precinct transformation will offer cycle stores for all residents and provide pedestrian links throughout the new community that connect Brackley Street and King Street, making it easier for residents and visitors to get around and explore the town centre by bike or on foot.

A flexible indoor space for community uses will sit alongside spaces for local businesses to locate such as café bars and indie retailers. The developer is also planning a community pavilion which will be available to hire for events.

Adam Higgins, co-founder of Capital&Centric said: “We’re chuffed that we’ve got the go-ahead to help reboot the town centre with a new mixed community and town centre destination. This is our first project in Bolton and the local community have been brilliant in helping us to create a vision that will not only cater to Farnworthians, but will draw in new residents and visitors from across the city region and beyond.

“This is what regeneration and social impact is all about – we’re breathing new life into a derelict site right in the heart of the town centre. This is an ambitious, design-led mix of homes, communal facilities, buzzing event and culture spots, and tonnes of green and outdoor spaces … a genuine community. We can’t wait to get cracking and pen an exciting new chapter for Farnworth town centre.”

Located on King Street, the site is a short walk from the train station with easy access into Bolton and Manchester, and on the doorstep of the refurbished bus station, making it an ideal location for commuters.

The green light for the plans drives forward Bolton Council’s vision to transform Farnworth town centre into a thriving and desirable place to live, work and visit. The scheme will help deliver the town centre masterplan adopted by Bolton Council in 2019, which includes plans to redevelop the market precinct. Farnworth is also one of Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham’s, Town Centre challenge areas.

Bolton Council’s executive cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Adele Warren, said: “As a council, we are committed to regenerating Farnworth by bringing modern living spaces and business units into the area.

“We developed a masterplan for the town in 2019 and this planning decision brings us a step closer to an exciting and vibrant new development right in the heart of Farnworth.”

Capital&Centric will now prepare a detailed planning application that will fix the final design and shape of the scheme, which is expected to be submitted by the end of the year. If approved, the social impact developer hopes to start construction in early 2022.

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