Peel submits revised £240m Hulton Park plans

Reducing Green Belt impact and reflecting local aspirations were two of the main focuses in the new plans for the 138-acre Bolton site.

Hulton Park would be an “international sports destination and resort” under the new plans, according to Peel L&P. Its future golf course is shortlisted to host the Ryder Cup in either 2031 or 2035. The Hulton Park masterplan would also provide 1,036 homes, including some that would be designated affordable.

The revised plans pull from feedback from both the Secretary of State in 2020 and a public consultation this summer.

Reacting to comments from the public consultation over a lack of local community spaces, Peel has included allotments into the scheme and the creation of a new Village Hall for Over Hulton. There would also be a health and wellbeing hub created to house a community gym and pool. Peel’s plans call for the creation of flexible food and drink venue Chequerbent Barns as well.

CGI of the Chequerbent Barns at Hulton Park. Credit: Falconer Chester Hall and Parkinson Inc

Peel said it would enhance the landscape of Hulton Park with parks, meadows and 15-km of trails and walkways.

“These new plans for Hulton Park have been developed in close consultation with the local community and a number of changes and additions have been made as a result of that feedback,” said Richard Knight, director of land and communities for Peel.

“We’re excited to be submitting plans that would open up over 800 acres of private land for public benefit, to bring many health and wellbeing benefits to people of all ages in Bolton and Greater Manchester, as well as improvements to transport infrastructure and the environment and a mix of new homes to help meet local needs.”

Peel hopes the venue can host the Ryder Cup in either 2031 or 2035. Credit: via Peel L&P

Knight acknowledged that the plans may still face opposition, but said the company had tried to deal with most of the concerns raised by the community.

“The revised masterplan is a big improvement on a scheme that has already been approved by both Bolton Council and the UK Government,” Knight said. “With many of the principles already accepted, we hope to receive a positive decision and we will continue working with local partners towards positive outcomes for the local area.”

The architects working on the project include Parkinson Inc on the masterplan and LUC on the landscape. European Golf Design has designed the golf course, while Hope Architects crafted the residential schemes. Leach Rhodes Walker is the architect for the hotel clubhouse, Frank Whittle Partnerships for the community facilities and Falconer Chester Hall for the main hotel area and Chequerbent Barns.