3 weeks Ago
The future of the old Marks and Spencer building was discussed by Town Hall chiefs at a recent meeting. And options being considered for the building on Deansgate include ‘student accommodation, buy to rent or a hotel. The future of the site was discussed by local councillors during a recent meeting of the Place Scrutiny Committee The former M&S building could also hold “up to 68 apartments” as part of the “residential led” Crompton Place development plan, which is due to begin this summer and is expected to last around 12 months.
Bolton Council bought the former shopping centre, which the authority purchased in 2018 as part of its town centre regeneration masterplan. The council first bought the Marks and Spencer building in 2019 for around £15M in advance of its plans to redevelop the town centre. But despite the closure, the retailer did not surrender the lease on the building until March last year.
Speaking at the committee, Assistant director of development and regeneration Paul Whittingham said: “We’ve started the soft-marketing testing and have looked at the options around de-risking the building. READ MORE: Bolton NHS Foundation Trust struggling to plug £29m funding gap Crompton Place demolition plans now submitted for approval Bolton Civic Trust's concern over Crompton Place demolition “Whilst we are looking for a developer, we are also looking at opportunities to bring forward the M&S as a standalone scheme. “We are looking at funding routes and support that could be provided for this early phase.
” Documents from the meeting also revealed prospective details about the logistics of the Crompton Place development, which is expected to include up to 340 residential units, a 110-key hotel, 80,000 sq. office space and 5,000 sq. of grand floor commercial leisure space along with a mix of high-quality public spaces.
Mr Whittingham added: “The development also aims to create public spaces that are safe, welcome and with green areas and public art installations that reflect Bolton’s rich heritage and cultural identity. “Central to our vision is the enhancement of connectivity within the town centre. Redevelopment of the site will re-introduce a direct pedestrian route between Victoria Square and Bradshawgate, improving accessibility and footfall.
” Concerns were raised by local councillors about the longevity of the prospective development. Cllr David Wilkinson said: “In Manchester and other large cities, such as Liverpool, Leeds and London, they have the commercial activity to support the residential activity above. “I’m not sure where that is in this plan, to be quite honest.
“We want something quality on the other side, especially as it’s going to be on the side of the town hall. Some of the developments we’ve had here in Bolton have been as cheerful as sin with no aesthetic quality at all. “If you make a dog’s dinner of this, Bolton will be stuffed for a long while.
” Responding, Mr Whittingham said: “We’re looking at how the buildings on Mosley Street can be brought forward and converted, as well as opportunities that can be brought forward on Queen Street. “We will be doing work on Victoria Square in terms of lighting and safety, with another year’s worth of funding for creating safe routes around the town centre. The next key area is that Mosley Gate area to Nelson Square.
“There’s a number of jigsaw pieces and when they come together, that number of 5,000 residential units in the town centre could be significantly more. “If we create the awareness of being able to provide more than 5,000 units, then we create the investment strategy for those ground floor uses and strategy for new uses coming into the town centre. “There is always the focus of the quality of the development when it hits Victoria Square, whatever comes in the future will reflect the quality of the square and the town hall so people choose to locate and invest here.
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