Bolton completes £11m innovation hub

Filled with flexible workspace and an events area the Wellsprings officially opened its doors this month in the town centre.

Attendees of Place North West’s Unlocking Regeneration – the Bolton Story event, held in partnership with Bolton Council and Clear Futures, had a first look of the finished complex off Howell Croft South.

The Wellsprings was the venue for the conference on Tuesday, which showcased investment opportunities in Bolton.

Robertson Construction North West was the main contractor for the Bolton Council-owned building, which was delivered in partnership with Clear Futures.

Work started last summer to the project to adjust the 55,000 sq ft office block to create an innovation hub suitable for start-up businesses.

K2 Architects drew up the plans for the building, which included 22,700 sq ft of office space on the upper floors of the five-storey building and 8,300 sq ft of commercial space on the ground floor.

The delivery of the Wellsprings had a price tag of £11m, with £6.9m of that money coming from the government’s Towns Fund and another £1.4m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Now that the building is complete, Oxford Innovation Space will commence managing the space.

Cllr Akhtar Zaman: ‘This will be a space where start-ups can exchange ideas, build networks, create opportunities, and build on each other’s success’. Credit: Paul Heyes via Bolton Council

Bolton Council Leader Cllr Nick Peel said: “The council’s direct intervention at The Wellsprings has transformed a dated and underused office block into a dynamic new workspace, that will encourage business leaders and entrepreneurs to make their home in Bolton.”

The council’s deputy leader, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, added: “Bolton has a strong economy, particularly in sectors like manufacturing and logistics, with many of the UK’s biggest names based right here.

“But we also want to be a place that attracts new ideas and new businesses, and modern, flexible, and high-tech spaces like The Wellsprings will help us do just that,” he continued.

“This will be a space where start-ups can exchange ideas, build networks, create opportunities, and build on each other’s success.”

Dirk Pittaway, regional managing director at Robertson Construction, said it was a “pleasure” to help Bolton’s ambitions for its town centre.

“This high-quality regeneration project is a welcome addition to Bolton, providing an inspiring space for innovation and growth that will enhance the town for years to come.

Pittaway also mentioned the social value initiatives undertaken during the build – including employing 16 locals, offering traineeships and apprenticeships, and having local students on site for work experience.

“This means that The Wellsprings was delivering socio-economic benefits, even before it opened,” Pittaway said.

Attendees of the Place North West, Bolton Council, and Clear Futures event ‘Unlocking Regeneration’ had a first-look at the completed building. Credit: Paul Heyes via Bolton Council

The Wellsprings is just one part of Bolton’s plans for its town centre. Other schemes include the renovation of Central Library, the building of the Bolton Market Food Hall, and the creation of Elizabeth Park – the town centre’s first new grew space in 100 years.