Farnworth in for major facelift
REGENERATION specialist St Modwen has submitted a planning application to bring much-needed retail and leisure facilities and 100 jobs to the heart one of Bolton’s satellite towns – Farnworth.
The multi-million pound plans for Farnworth town centre have been developed in partnership with Bolton Council and include a new shopping parade comprising 23,000 sq ft of ground floor retail space, a first floor gym or further retail and improvements to the public realm.
The proposals are for the Market Precinct between Brackley Street and King Street, which is currently undeveloped and in need of investment.
North West regional director at Warrington-based St Modwen, Steven Knowles, said: “This scheme will transform Farnworth town centre bringing significant investment and job opportunities to the local area, as well as an improved leisure and retail offer.
“This latest step demonstrates the improving economy which in turn is having a positive impact on the commercial property market in the North.”
The masterplan for the new town centre follows St Modwen’s purchase of the precinct in 2011.
Under the plans Farnworth Market will also be reconfigured, as part of the wider town centre plan, to create a modern and revamped facility for traders and shoppers.
Bolton Council leader Cliff Morris said: “We’ve been working with St Modwen since they acquired the precinct and this development has the potential to transform an area that is in real need of new investment.
“The expanded and improved retail offer in this proposed development could act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the town centre. The application will now be considered as part of the planning process.”
