BDP lands Farnworth masterplan

Bolton Council has appointed BDP as the lead consultant to develop a masterplan for Farnworth.

BDP, which beat off two competitors to win the contract, also drew up Bolton’s town centre masterplan, which was launched in September 2017 and is close to securing a £250m commitment from Beijing Construction Engineering Group.

The practice will now put in motion a plan for Farnworth, starting a process of engagement with councillors, stakeholders and residents to get their views.

Bolton Council nominated Farnworth for the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s Town Centre Challenge, while a £1.9m package, delivered in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester, to improve the bus station and the junction of King Street and Market Street is now complete.

The council has also invested £450,000 in resurfacing Brackley Street, a project due or completion this autumn.

Cllr Ebrahim Adia, deputy leader of Bolton Council and chairman of the the Farnworth town centre steering group, said: “Farnworth is an absolute priority for us and we are really pleased to select BDP for this work.

“They have a really strong track record in urban design and planning with a strong knowledge of commercial development. The aim of the new masterplan will be to unlock further development and identify potential for future investment.”

Commercial agent BE Group will work with BDP. The masterplan is set to be launched early in 2019.