Demolition of Bolton's Crompton Place shopping centre has begun, creating one of the biggest inner town centre development spaces in the country. The work will open up the town centre and pave the way for the borough's flagship redevelopment project.
From retail heart to redevelopment site
The huge shopping complex, which was the beating heart of the town's retail space for more than 50 years, is now a sorry sight. Specialists Rhodar have started to strip the interior of the former shopping centre, a preliminary step before the building itself is torn down.
Bolton Council purchased Crompton Place in 2018 before assisting tenants to relocate elsewhere in the town centre. The demolition will re-establish a direct pedestrian route between Victoria Square and Bradshawgate and create new open space for pop-up events and activities.
Local benefits and careful planning
Rhodar expects to spend £1m with local suppliers and will recruit two Bolton apprentices to work on the scheme. The council said the contractor 'has a proven track record of complex demolitions and will use specialist techniques to reduce dust, noise and vibration'.
The centre, which was built in 1971, was originally called the Arndale before changing its name in honour of Bolton textile pioneer Samuel Crompton. The early stages of the project will focus on stripping the inside of the building, followed by more visible work on the exterior.
Timeline and future plans
Earlier estimates of the length of the demolition project published by the council said it would take around 12 months to clear the site.
Tony Clarke, contracts director at Rhodar, said: “Rhodar is delighted to be working with Bolton Council as works officially commence on the demolition of Crompton Place.
“These works will be delivered through a carefully planned and phased approach, with robust measures in place to manage dust, noise and vibration, safeguard the public and neighbouring properties, and minimise disruption to the town centre.
“In addition, we are committed to creating lasting social value by supporting apprenticeships, investing in local businesses and suppliers, and engaging with the community. Our goal is to leave a positive legacy, making a meaningful contribution to the Bolton area.”
Once the site is fully cleared, the area will be transformed by the council's developer partner MEPC, an arm of Federated Hermes. The company is behind some of the UK's biggest urban regeneration projects including NOMA in Manchester and Paradise in Birmingham.
A planned mixed used development will offer new homes, places to work, hospitality, leisure and public space.
Bolton Council leader, Akhtar Zaman, said: “Today marks the official start of the delivery phase of Bolton's biggest regeneration project in a generation.
“It is a whole new chapter for our town centre as we replace an out-dated and unloved shopping centre with something everyone in Bolton can be proud of.
“Crompton Place will be a catalyst for further town centre investment, building on the many projects we have already delivered successfully.”
