Bolton launches search for Crompton Place development partner
The council has issued a tender notice as it looks to deliver a flagship £200m regeneration scheme including residential, offices, and a hotel at the site of the former shopping centre.
Appointing a partner is expected to take 10 to 12 months from the tender’s publication to contract signature.
The project is described as “one of the largest single ownership opportunities to come to the market in many years”.
Bolton Council bought the 280,000 sq ft shopping centre in 2018 as it looked to put in place a town centre masterplan.
Crompton Place has the capacity to deliver up to 340 homes, a 110-key hotel, 80,000 sq ft of office space, and 5,000 sq ft of ground floor leisure.
As the local authority puts it, “the project will deliver a vibrant, residential-led mixed use development including hotel, office and commercial space, surrounded by the town’s rich heritage assets, vibrant amenities, and excellent transport links.
“The successful bidder will also be expected to improve public spaces and reintroduce a direct pedestrian route between Victoria Square and Bradshawgate.”
The tender notice has been published using the new competitive flexible procedure under the Procurement Act 2023.
This is the second major step forward following an application earlier this year to demolish the former shopping centre. Pending planning approval later this year, demolition is expected to take 50 weeks and be completed in a single phase.
Bolton is working with CBRE on the scheme. Council Leader, Cllr Nick Peel, said: “Crompton Place represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and we look forward to welcoming the right development partner to take the transformation of Bolton to the next level.
“We continue to see the successful delivery of regeneration projects in the town centre and across the wider borough, including Neighbourhood Moor Lane, Deansgate Gardens and the first phase of Church Wharf.
“Having now launched this procurement opportunity on Crompton Place we are sending a clear signal that Bolton means business. We are confident that investment in the site will attract even more developers to other parts of the town centre.”
CBRE executive director Adam White said: “This is another significant step forward to find a best-in-class development partner to deliver a high-quality, inclusive, residential-led mixed-use scheme.
“The council has a proven track record in securing public sector financial support; and Crompton Place is a vital component of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s £10bn investment plan.”
Also advising are Trowers & Hamlins and KPMG.
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