Royal Bolton Hospital has confirmed that an M&S Food store will be among several new outlets opening as part of a major transformation of its main entrance. The redevelopment is expected to be completed and open to visitors in autumn 2027.
New retailers confirmed
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said the changes will “deliver a significantly improved arrival experience, with brighter, more accessible spaces, improved amenities and a wider range of food and drink options”.
New retailers confirmed as part of the development include Costa Coffee, M&S Food, WHSmith, Greggs and StockShop. The trust said the range would “offer greater choice and convenience for everyone using the hospital”.
What the redevelopment includes
The trust said the new entrance and vehicle drop-off area was “designed to better meet the needs of patients, visitors and staff, will be easier to navigate and provide a more comfortable environment for people attending appointments, visiting loved ones or spending time at the hospital”.
The redevelopment will include new drop-off facilities, improved public toilets, a new home for the existing Macmillan Cancer support service, enhanced seating and waiting areas, and a range of new retail and refreshment outlets.
Second M&S Food in Bolton
Once open, the M&S Food outlet will become the second in Bolton borough, the other being the store at Middlebrook, which is presently undergoing expansion. The Marks & Spencer flagship store on Deansgate in Bolton town centre permanently closed on April 15, 2023, ending more than 100 years of trading in the town centre, since 1915.
The hospital scheme is being delivered by Bolton NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with WHSmith and Noviniti, the property development and investment company. The development is being funded by the partners and will not impact the trust’s budget or financial position.
Access during construction
A trust spokesperson said: “Access to the hospital will be maintained throughout the construction period via trust headquarters, located a short distance further along the road.
“The trust will work closely with partners to minimise disruption, ensure any changes are clearly signposted and easy to navigate, and make sure patients and visitors can continue to access services safely and conveniently. The pharmacy will still be open and accessible from the main corridor of the hospital.”
