A SHOPPING mall is set to be demolished this year as part of redevelopment of the town centre.
The bulldozing of Crompton Place Shopping Mall in Bolton, Greater Manchester, will take 50 weeks and be completed in a single phase.
The work will re-establish a direct link between Victoria Square and Bradshawgate.
Crompton Place shopping centre was built in 1971 and was bought by Bolton Council for £14.8million in 2018.
The mall was originally called Arndale Centre but was renamed in 1989 after the Bolton-born industrialist Samuel Crompton.
The authority enabled leaseholders to relocate so demolition work could start.
The council submitted plans to use the newly cleared space for public performances, events and pop-up markets.
It said the “vibrant” area will continue to attract visitors to the town centre during the period between demolition and the start of new developments.
A developer is still being sought by the council to transform the area once demolition is complete.
Bolton Council leader Nick Peel said: “This demolition plan marks the start of a truly transformational project in the heart of Bolton town centre.
“Last year saw several regeneration projects successfully delivered, but the start of work on Crompton Place sends a clear signal that Bolton means business.
“We have already had significant interest in the site, and we are confident that investment in the site will attract even more developers to other parts of the town centre.”
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Major high street retailer with 17 Scots stores to close ‘a THIRD’ of UK shops” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6367391803112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]CBRE is helping the council to find a development partner.
Executive Director Adam White said: “Situated in the heart of Bolton town centre and surrounded by the town’s rich heritage assets, vibrant amenities, and excellent transport links, the Crompton Place redevelopment is a cornerstone of the council and the Greater Manchester Mayor’s place-based regeneration strategy.
“The council is committed to enabling the site by facilitating the complete demolition of the outdated shopping centre and is seeking a best-in-class development partner to deliver a high-quality, inclusive, residential-led mixed-use scheme.
“The council has a proven track record in securing public sector financial support; and Crompton Place is a vital component of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s recently announced £10billion investment plan.
“The council will be procuring its development partner with the support of CBRE The final business left in Crompton Place closed its doors for good on March 1, the watch repair shop, TimePiece, which had been in the building for 19 years.”
Chapman Taylor, WSP, Civic Heritage, Appletons and Oxford Archaeology are also advising on the demolition plans.