Prominent Bolton town centre building formerly home to high street shop sold

A prominent building in Bolton town centre which formerly housed a high street shop has been sold. The former store on the corner of Bridge Street and Bow Street most recently housed Argos before its closure in 2022 . Since then, the business unit has laid empty.

The building was up for auction last month through auction house, Acuitus. Though the auction had been set for March 27, Acuitus' website says that it was "sold prior". The advert describes the property as "a substantial former variety store arranged over the ground and first floors" and that it has a rear loading area.



It is "approximately" 2,634.6 sq/m or 28,358 sq/ft. Read more: Big name Bolton town centre store to shut leaving shoppers upset Read more: New group to be assembled to oversee 'massive project' to redevelop shopping centre Read more: Demolition of former shopping centre step closer as plans submitted The former Argos shop (Image: Newsquest) Regarding its tenure, the advert reads: "Long Leasehold.

Held for a term of 109 years from September 20, 2012, at a current ground rent of £28,540 pa, subject to five yearly upward only rent reviews to the higher of rent passing or 12.99 per cent of open market value. "The next rent review due is September 2027 - please see the head lease.

" The advert also highlights its proximity to Market Place Shopping Centre, being directly opposite, as well as to other businesses in the town centre. This comes as large scale redevelopment is set to take place in Bolton, with Crompton Way Shopping Centre set to be demolished this year . The now closed centre is to make way for what the council hopes will be a “mixed-use” scheme made up of offices and food and drink outlets.

It was recently confirmed that a steering committee of councillors is set to be brought together to oversee the project . Plans submitted in March this year said that the demolition of the old shopping centre is expected to take up to 50 weeks. The scheme is also expected to include a direct pedestrian route between Victoria Square and Bradshawgate.

The council has also discussed various “meanwhile uses” the space could be put to before the new development is eventually finished..