Bolton seeks £25m for town centre projects
The council is seeking a chunk of the Government’s £3.6bn Towns Fund to make improvements to Bolton Market and Central Library, and create an innovation hub for start-ups.
The innovation hub, to be created within the Wellsprings building on Howell Croft South, would require £7.25m, according to Bolton Council.
The authority also wants £5.2m to fund improvements to Bolton Market that would see the outdoor market refurbished alongside upgrades to the internal halls and entrances.
Bolton is seeking a further £6.3m for the redevelopment of Bolton Central Library that would expand the aquarium, modernise the libraries and introduce flexible workspaces for local businesses and groups.
Finally, £6.25m would be spent on public realm upgrades around Bolton, including the creation of pocket parks, the council said.
The projects form part of the £1bn regeneration of Bolton town centre, which also includes Trinity Quarter, Church Wharf, Crompton Place and Bolton Victoria Square, Croal Valley, Cheadle Square and the new Blackhorse Street-Bolton Digital City.
Chair of Bolton’s Town Deal Board Belinda Beaver said: “A lot of hard work has got us to this point and I am really excited about these projects.
“Collaboration has been key to the decisions that have been made regarding appropriate investment of Towns Fund money and the people of Bolton should be proud of these outcomes. They will make a difference to our town centre and set the stage for regeneration.”
Cllr David Greenhalgh, leader of Bolton Council, said: “This is additional one-off ringfenced money from Government coming to Bolton that could signify the start of our regeneration plans.”
Positive to see some money being spent out of central Manchester. Is it enough though?
By Morris