Street food markets, a big screen and an 'urban garden' are part of temporary plans for the soon to be demolished Crompton Place shopping centre in Bolton town centre.
The new features, on Victoria Square, will be 'meanwhile use' while the wider plot is redeveloped. Last year, Bolton Council secured planning permission to demolish the 1960s shopping centre to pave the way for a regeneration scheme.
Six Key Themes for the Site
In the long term, the area will be transformed into new homes, office, hospitality and leisure space set within a high-quality public space. The demolition process includes plans for 'meanwhile use', which set out how the newly cleared site will be used by the Bolton community during the construction phase.
The council said the plan covers six key themes:
- Entertainment: An outdoor space for events, live performances, a big screen and seasonal markets.
- Food and Drink: A flexible food and drink offer showcasing local independent stalls and street food.
- Green Space: A calming planted garden with seating and community growing space.
- Activity Zone: An inclusive space for sport, wellbeing and activities for all ages and abilities.
- Multi-Use Hub: A flexible community building for people to learn, create and connect.
- Urban Garden: A community-focused growing space combining urban agriculture, gardening workshops and an artisan café.
Leader's Vision for the Community
Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, said: "The regeneration of Crompton Place will be transformational for Bolton, building on the work we have already done to bring even more homes, jobs and vibrancy to our town centre."
"But residents will not have to wait long to see the benefits thanks to our detailed meanwhile use plans which will put this site to work as soon as demolition is completed. This will be a brand-new community space for the people of Bolton to enjoy all year round with something to offer residents and visitors of all ages," he added.
Demolition and Next Steps
Demolition experts Rhodar have begun to strip the interior of Crompton Place, a preliminary step before the building itself will be torn down. The company expects to spend £1m with local suppliers and will recruit two Bolton apprentices to work on the scheme.
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. The full meanwhile use scheme for Crompton Place can be viewed on the council's planning portal.
