Latest vision for Farnworth town centre transformation revealed

A new vision of the transformation of Farnworth town centre has been released by Manchester developer Capital&Centric.

The social impact developer has submitted a detailed planning application to Bolton Council. The overall vision was approved last year, but if the detailed application is approved work could start this summer.

The scheme is backed, in part, by the Government’s Future High Street Fund.

Plans include a range of design-led housing, including 85 one- and two-bedroom apartments alongside family homes, including six two- bedroom properties and six three-bedroom homes.

The town centre will benefit from more than 20,000 sq ft of space for bars, cafés and independent stores, as well as a community hub.

These new images show how the coffee shops and stores will spill out onto a bustling square, with green spaces for residents and the surrounding community to gather.

An events pavilion will support outdoor community events to bring people to the neighbourhood, such as maker’s markets, pop-up art galleries, foodie gatherings and live music.

Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital&Centric, said: “There’s a real buzz about the plans for Farnworth and it’s brilliant to hit the ground running in 2022, with submission of the detailed plans. It’s all part of a renaissance of Greater Manchester’s towns as places to live, as well as dine out or shop.

“So that Farnworth becomes a proper neighbourhood, we’ve made sure it’s packed with features that we know from experience to help foster community spirit … be it the mix of family homes as well as apartments, the community hub or the flexible green spaces for Sunday socials.”

He added: “We think Farnworth will challenge the perception of town centre living and set the blueprint for how to reinvigorate centres that have traditionally relied heavily on footfall from shoppers.”

Transformation of Farnworth town centre 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 locations.

Cllr Martyn Cox, leader of Bolton Council, said: “It’s great to see Capital & Centric’s plans progressing and taking shape following detailed consultation with Farnworth stakeholders and residents.

“This mixed use development offers something for all ages with new homes, community hub, leisure facilities and green space. Farnworth will be transformed creating a real community in the heart of the town.”