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194K views 712 replies 110 participants last post by  Tony_H1 
#1 ·
Haven't seen a Bolton thread on here so don't mind me if I make one.

I had never visted Bolton before 2 weeks ago when I stopped off on the train home from Preston and I have to say I was quite impressed. The town centre had some really grand buildings and pleasent pedestrian zones, much more impressive than other lancashire towns such as Bury, Preston, Wigan, Oldham etc. More on a par with a Nottingham or a Newcastle I thought. There also seemed to be a pleasent array of restaurants, shops and pubs and even though it was a Sunday night there was a bit of a buzz and confidence about the place.

Has anyone got any pictures or have any development news for Bolton? I think it might suffer not being on the mainline to London but having a new university must help if it can grow like Preston's has. Other than that I didnt really see outside of the city centre but Im sure it has deprivation like anywhere else. Farnworth reminded me of Cheetham Hill or a larger Rusholme. And the bus station could do with some work. But the actual town centre itself was a really pleasent place to spend some time. Even the 70's buildings didnt let it down like they do in Ashton or Preston.

One thing Im dissapointed about is how far the football stadium is from the centre. Its a wonderful piece of architecture and if it had been located near the centre it might have have taken the centre into premier league heights (pardon the pun) anyway I'll try to find some pictures myself.

Any thoughts?
 
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#210 ·
Bolton Market Gets Dosh To Improve

£4.5m refurbishment and a really bad image to support it



BOLTON Council’s Executive has approved to a major £4.5m refurbishment of the town’s award-winning market, which will ensure its place as one of the best-loved in the country is secure well into the twentieth first century.

The market plays a crucial role in the success of the town centre and draws thousands of people in every year from near and far … coach visits have grown from 50 a year in 2008/09 to over 270 in 2010/11 for example.

The refurbishment is planned to make sure the market can respond to the changing environment in the coming years – from the bus station’s move to the new rail/bus interchange to new customer preferences.

Today, December 5, the council’s Executive reviewed and approved the report which outlined the plans, for completion by 2014.

In brief, the work will involve:

  • repairs to the roof and structure of the building
  • upgrades to the fruit and veg and fish and meat halls
  • improvements to the infrastructure and servicing arrangements
  • improvements to the eastern hall (nearest to the town centre) including a new entrance
  • a new outdoor market
  • revised bus connections and pedestrian routes
Traders were briefed on the plans at a special meeting a few weeks ago and the meeting was a positive start to ongoing discussions.

All very nice thinks Confidential but can we have a better artist's impression next time, rather than one from 1974.
http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/Property/Bolton-Market-Gets-Dosh-To-Improve
 
#211 ·
Bolton One opens 1st February.

Bolton One is ready to make a big splash

Saturday 14th January 2012

BOLTON One is only days away from open- ing its doors to the public.

And these exclusive pictures show a glimpse of the multi-million pound health, leisure and research complex, as those behind the innova- tive centre explain how it will impact on people liv- ing, working and study- ing in Bolton.

The £31 million land- mark building has been created by a partnership between the University of Bolton, Bolton Coun- cil and NHS Bolton.

The centre piece of the four storey state-of-the- art complex, which will open on February 1, is the competition stan- dard, eight-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, with one part of it hav- ing a moveable floor to accommodate swimming lessons, aqua aerobics and other water-based activities.

Although too late for this year, the pool could be used as a training base for future Olympic hopefuls and also as a competition venue.

A community gym, dance studio and fitness suite also form part of the leisure complex.

The council is also pro- viding a therapeutic hydrotherapy pool for people with disabilities and for those who have been referred by their doctor.

Cllr Cliff Morris, Leader of Bolton Coun- cil, said: “This building represents three part- ners coming together to provide a fantastic asset for the local community and it’s very exciting that it is so close to com- pletion.

“The leisure side, which the council will provide, opens first on February 1.

“The opening will mark the realisation of the council’s long-held ambition to provide top of the range town centre leisure and fitness facili- ties which are accessible for our residents and vis- itors.”

The building is colour- coded throughout, indi- cating which part is being run by which part- ner.

Grey indicates Bolton Council, blue for the uni- versity and green for NHS Bolton.

The NHS will provide a range of outpatient serv- ices, including breast screening, orthopaedics, and rheumatology, and radiological and therapy support in the 250 or so clinical and treatment rooms.

A GP practice will also be based at the complex.

Pam Senior, chairman of NHS Bolton, said: “The opening of Bolton One rep- resents a major landmark for the town.

“The range of health services provided will make it a real hub for the borough, in an easily accessible location near the town centre.”

Bolton One is a major development for the uni- versity, as the research ele- ment of the centre is unique within the UK.
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/9472414.Bolton_One_is_ready_to_make_a_big_splash/
 
#212 ·
The next step for town’s £48m interchange plan

Friday 27th January 2012

BOLTON’S proposed £48 million transport interchange will be the subject of a special planning meeting.

Transport for Greater Manchester’s latest consultation on the development was completed at the end of last year and the plans for the interchange include eco-friendly power saving schemes and a cycle station.

A high level pedestrian bridge between the train and bus station will also be covered to protect passengers from the weather.

The bridge will be wide enough to accommodate large volumes of people, although there will not be a “travelator” similar to those seen at airports.

Project manager Russell Dyson, of TfGM, in a letter to people who took part in the public consultation, said: “While a moving walkway was considered for the pedestrian bridge, it was decided the additional design, construction and maintenance costs, along with the increased energy requirement, would not be an efficient use of resources.”

The new interchange, if approved by planning chiefs, will also incorporate rainwater recycling, solar panels, air source heat pumps and low energy LED lighting.

Plans have also been made to ensure there will be access and waiting facilities for weddings and funerals at St Patrick’s Church.

The council has already approved the compulsory purchase of properties standing in the way of the scheme. The order, requested by TfGM, was approved last year, after councillors were told the development would be key to the regeneration of the town.

TfGM is underwriting the cost of the purchase of land and property in the Railway Triangle, which borders Newport Street and Great Moor Street.

The planning meeting will be held on Thursday, March 15, at 2pm, at the Town Hall, in the council chamber.
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/9497228.The_next_step_for_town___s___48m_interchange_plan/
 
#214 ·
Bolton One’s £30m facilities are ready to make a splash

9:11am Wednesday 1st February 2012 in

THE keys to Bolton One have been handed over to Bolton Council ahead today’s opening of the £30 million health facility.

The centre is a partnership between the council, NHS Bolton and the University of Bolton.

The council is providing leisure facilities which include an eight-lane, 25- metre competition swimming pool, with seating for 250 spectators.

There is also a therapeutic hydrotherapy pool for people with disabilities, a fitness suite, an aerobics studio and a community gym in the leisure area.

The pool will be managed by the council’s partners, Serco.

The keys were ceremonially handed over on Monday by builders Eric Wright Construction.

The NHS will provide a range of outpatient services, among which will be breast screening, orthopaedics, rheumatology, thoracics and radiological and therapy support.

A GP practice will also be based at Bolton One.

The University of Bolton will provide a Centre of Excellence for Health and Wellbeing, which will include clinical skills laboratory facilities, a rehabilitation suite that will include rehabilitation clinics, sports injury and exercise and conditioning clinics, and teaching and seminar rooms.

The university will also have a sports centre and climbing wall within the complex, which will replace its current facilities, and will be open to the public.

The university’s Centre for Research for Health and Wellbeing will be based in Bolton One.

Building work started in October, 2009, and an official opening ceremony will be held in May, when all the facilities are complete.

People can still take advantage of the offer of a free swim or a free gym class at the new health and fitness facility.

Cllr Cliff Morris, leader of Bolton Council, said: “Bolton One is for all the community and we want everyone to come along and have a go.

“One of our key priorities is improving the health of our residents.”
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news...___30m_facilities_are_ready_to_make_a_splash/
 
#215 ·
Bolton’s £30m health & leisure centre opens

6th February 2012



Bolton One

THE £30.6m Bolton One health & Leisure centre on Moor Lane, has opened to the public.

The complex, which also includes a research centre, is a partnership between Bolton Council, NHS Bolton and the University of Bolton.

It contains a 25-metre swimming pool with seating for 250 spectators; a hydrotherapy pool; a 70-station gym; a community gym which is accessible for disabled users; a fitness suite, and an aerobics studio.

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Cliff Morris, said: “I was there when the doors opened and it was brilliant to see people walking through. One of our key priorities is improving the health of our residents and Bolton One gives everyone the opportunity to take part in fitness activities.”

The University of Bolton has a sports hall and 50ft climbing wall within Bolton One, which will be open to the public from February 27.

It will also provide a Centre of Excellence for Health and Wellbeing, which will include clinical skills laboratory facilities; a rehabilitation suite; sports injury and exercise and conditioning clinics, and teaching and seminar rooms.

The NHS will also provide a range of outpatient services at the site.
http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/
 
#216 ·
Town chiefs hopeful in race for city status

Wednesday 8th February 2012

BOLTON is less likely to become a city than Reading but has more chance than Stockport, according to betting odds on the town’s chances of winning the Diamond Jubilee city status honour.

The town is joint sixth with odds of 18 to one, along with Chelmsford, according to bookmaker William Hill.

Reading is favourite to be named a city at 10 to 11. However the Berkshire town has previously been favourite in 2002 —when it lost out to Preston and Newport.

Bolton’s nearest North West rival, Stockport, is currently at 25 to one.

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Cliff Morris, said: “Regardless of the odds, we’re a city in all but name and Bolton deserves to be a city. We recognise we still face many challenges but we are working hard to address them. We see city status as a vital tool in securing future investment and helping us achieve our vision.

“We’re one of the biggest towns in the country and have a long and proud history dating back more than a thousand years. We are going after the official recognition we rightfully deserve.”

Keith Davies, Bolton Council’s director for development and regeneration, added: “I know when we put the submission together it was a really impressive document.

“Regardless of whether we win it or not, it tells a story of Bolton that has already impressed people and will continue to do so, but fingers crossed we will be successful and move up the bookies’ odds.”

While there are no set requirements for towns wishing to bid for city status, the Department for Culture asks bidding towns to include details of age, distinct identity, history, traditions, famous residents, any associations with Royalty and any other particularly distinctive features, as well as up to 50 photographs of permanent features of the town and details of public green spaces, visitor accommodation, major events, sport and leisure facilities and shopping centres.

It is expected the announcement of the winning town will be made in June, around the time of the Jubilee celebrations.
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/9518129.Town_chiefs_hopeful_in_race_for_city_status/?ref=mmsp
 
#219 ·
Been having a little read up on this. The Swiss bank UBS has been investing in UK properties with a £200m fund and they have another £150m to invest. The targets are London Office Space, Retail and Refurbishment.

pbb provides £26 million facility for retail parks in Bolton and Havant

pbb Deutsche Pfandbriefbank provides an approx. £26 million (approx. €30 million) financing to support the acquisition of the Bolton Gate Retail Park in Bolton and Central Retail Park in Havant, Southampton for the ‘Investment Circle UK’ mandate of UBS. The pbb loan for the acquisition facility closed in January 2012. pbb acted as Arranger, Agent and Sole Lender on the facility.

The properties comprise modern strong retail parks with Bolton having been built in 1998 and Havant in 2007. They are both located close to their respective central areas and benefit from good accessibility. Both properties offer asset management opportunities with over 10 years unexpired on their respective leases.

The mandate is managed by the Swiss based „Global Customized Client Mandate“ (GCCM) team, an organizational unit of the Global Real Estate (GRE) business of UBS Global Asset Management. GCCM cooperates with GRE’s London unit which acquires and manages the mandate’s assets. The fund is an income focused, balanced UK property investment vehicle for key UBS Wealth Management clients.

http://www.property-magazine.eu/pbb...-retail-parks-in-bolton-and-havant-19733.html
 
#220 ·
UPDATE: Bolton fails in city bid

Wednesday 14th March 2012

By Steven Thompson

BOLTON has failed in its bid to become a city.

Chelmsford, Perth and St Asaph, have been given city status to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the government said today.

Bolton had faced competition from Stockport, Reading, St Austell in Cornwall and Medway in Kent, among others.

The council’s official city bid document was sent to Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg last May.

Armagh in Northern Ireland has been granted a lord mayoralty.

The awards have been made by the Queen on the advice of Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, following a competition to bid for civic honours launched in December 2010.

Mr Clegg said the decision to award a new city in England, Scotland and Wales, and a lord mayoralty in Northern Ireland, reflected the significance of every part of the United Kingdom in diamond jubilee year.

"Across the United Kingdom, I have been moved by the pride and passion which people have shown in putting their nominations forward," he said.

"The standard of application was very high, and those who missed out should not be downhearted.

"I hope the competition has given the residents of all of the places which applied a sense of civic pride, of collective ownership and of community spirit."

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Cliff Morris, said: "We put in a bid for the official recognition, which we believe Bolton rightly deserved, so we are naturally disappointed not to have been selected.

"However, the process has given us the opportunity to promote all that is good about Bolton. Bolton is a vibrant town with much to offer and we are working hard to regenerate it for the benefit of all our communities.

"We are confident that Bolton will continue to go from strength to strength and we will continue to strive to make this happen. We would like to thank everyone for their support and belief in Bolton."
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/9588533.Bolton_fails_in_city_bid/
 
#224 ·
Having been through Ripon a few weeks ago, St Asaph being awarded city status doesn't surprise me that much. Even with bigger, better towns nearby.

Nothing against Chelmsford, but come on...Bolton must now be a city in all but name.
 
#225 ·
Well Chelmsford has a bigger population, 169,500 v Bolton's 139,400. Chelmsford has a Cathedral and is the county town in a county with no other city in it. To be honest, Chelmsford doesn't feel much bigger than Bolton but I do think it deserves to be a city, may be more so than Bolton?
 
#226 ·
Bolton has too many commuters to Manchester, and to a lesser extent Preston to fully function and flourish as an independent city. Bolton still retains a unique identity from Manchester, more-so than Stockport or the City of Salford however I don't think this is enough to set it apart from other areas of Greater Manchester, such as Stockport or even Wigan.
 
#227 ·
Bolton Interchange gains planning approval

16th March 2012



PLANS for Bolton's new transport interchange have been approved by the town's planning committee.

The new interchange will be built next to Bolton railway station, on land bounded by Newport Street and Great Moor Street.

The project, developed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) in partnership with Bolton Council, is an important part of the town centre regeneration strategy and marks the first phase in a series of developments in the area.

It will replace the existing Moor Lane station and offer better links between rail and bus services, as well as improved waiting areas and other passenger facilities.

Andrew Fender, chair of the TfGM committee, said: "I am delighted that we've secured full planning permission for this crucial development, which has evolved thanks to contributions and comments from the people who will benefit from it - the public.

"It is going to deliver a fantastic gateway for people living and working in Bolton, and for people visiting the town, and today's decision is an important milestone in realising that vision.

"I now look forward to progressing to the point where we can appoint a contractor and start work on the ground."

Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Cliff Morris, said: "We're pleased that full permission has now been granted for this significant development. We're working hard to keep our town centre development programme moving and the transport interchange is a key part of our strategy."

A Compulsory Purchase Order has been made to buy the properties and land required for the development, which if granted could lead to the facility being open by 2015.
http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/

Bolton's £48m bus station plans approved

Plans for a £48m transport interchange in Bolton have been given the go-ahead by councillors.

Under the proposals buses will use a new interchange next to Trinity Street railway station instead of the current Moor Lane site.

The plans feature an enclosed pedestrian footbridge linking the bus and rail facilities, two lifts and a cycle centre with secure parking.

The plans were approved at a council planning meeting.

Councillor Andrew Fender, who is on the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee and was at the meeting, said: "It will give us much improved links between the rail station and the bus station next door."

Keith Davies, director of development and regeneration for Bolton Council, said: "It is a state of the art 21st Century facility, right in the heart of the town centre."

Mr Davies said the existing bus station site, near Bolton Market, would not be left to become derelict.

He said: "The council has committed £4.5m to refurbish Bolton Market which is a great facility.

"The old bus station site is right next door so it will clearly be a development opportunity.

"We will work with Transport for Greater Manchester to make sure that we've got something that works for the town centre as well."

The work, funded by Greater Manchester Transport Fund, is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-17381771
 
#228 ·
Vue Xtreme opening at Middlebrook.

VueXtreme screen - coming soon!

Vue is bringing super-sized cinema to Vue Bolton with the launch of VueXtreme and an advanced screening of action movie The Hunger Games at 7.45pm on Thursday March 22nd - tickets on sale now!

The VueXtreme experience includes a super-sized screen that is bigger than two double decker buses, which is over 30% larger than regular cinema screens, delivering a new, unrivalled level of entertainment for cinema goers in the Bolton.
VueXtreme provides customers with a truly immersive experience by combining Vue’s crystal clear digital picture quality, professionally mixed Dolby 7:1 ‘Profound Sound’ and luxury ‘SuperVue’ tiered seating for a perfect view of the film. And for those who want even more luxury, Vue also offers VIP seating.

To be one of the first people to experience Bolton’s VueXtreme and see the advanced screening of The Hunger Games book now at www.myvue.com
http://www.middlebrook-bolton.co.uk/news.aspx
 
#229 ·
From building....

BAM bags five academies jobs in two weeks

BAM Construction has won five academy jobs in the past two weeks, bringing the number of schemes the contractor has won to nine, Building understands.

Today the firm announced it has been appointed the preferred contractor for the £11.5m All Saints Academy as well as the £9.6m Marine Academy, both in Plymouth.

Building understands the firm has also been appointed to three further academy jobs - which are yet to be announced, but are in the north, south east and midlands - bringing to nine the total the contractor has won.

The wins edges BAM close to Balfour Beatty, which as Building reported last week, had snared nine of the government’s fast-track academies, where a bidder has actually been selected.

A total of 71 fast-track academies will be built under the schools capital programme, announced by education secretary Michael Gove last year as a stop gap between the cancelled £55bn Building Schools for the Future Programme, and the government’s £2bn Priority Schools Building programme, which has been repeatedly delayed.

BAM has also won Kings Science Academy in Bradford, Kearsley Academy in Bolton, Aylesbury Vale Academy in Buckinghamshire, and Hackney UTC in London, since the framework was unlocked by the government in June.

On the All Saints job BAM beat off competition from Cowlin Construction and will partner with architect White Design on the project providing 4200 sq m of new build and a complete remodelling and refurbishment of the 1980’s east wing building.

On the Marine Academy project BAM beat Leadbitter and will partner with architect Stride Treglowen.

Graham Kingdon, area manager for BAM Construction, said: “We are very pleased to have been awarded preferred bidder on [the All Saints] contract, particularly after also winning the preferred bidder on Plymouth UTC and the Marine Academy Plymouth.

“Winning these contracts has been a key target for us as we want to invest in Plymouth as many of our staff and supply chain partners live and work in the area.

“We see Plymouth as an up and coming city and an important place to be doing business. This is why we have targeted these contracts and have worked extremely hard to offer the city extremely good value for money.”

http://www.building.co.uk/news/contractors/bam-bags-five-academies-jobs-in-two-weeks/5034105.article
 
#230 ·
from theboltonnews....
Last chance to question superstore road change

RESIDENTS in Little Lever have one final chance to learn more about a proposed oneway system as part of plans to build a Tesco superstore in the village.

Planning chiefs will then consider the findings from Monday’s drop-in meeting before they make their decision later this month.

They had been due to reach a decision tomorrow but this has been postponed so they can gather reaction from the meeting.

The proposals by the retail giant to open a supermarket has divided opinion in the village, attracting both supporters and objectors.


Tesco announced plans to open a store on the former Pennine Pets site almost a year ago.

People who attend the drop-in session between 4pm and 8pm at St Matthew’s Church House, in Little Lever, can also find out more details about the company’s plans.Objections include traffic issues but supporters argue that a major supermarket would transform an “eyesore”

site and be a boost for the village.

Tesco has said the store will provide more shopping choice and create about 100 new jobs, in addition to the 49 staff employed at the existing Tesco Metro.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “A highways officer will be in attendance to listen to resident’s concerns and take notes.

“The planning committee will now take place after April to give time to consider the findings from the drop-in session.“ Matt Magee, from Tesco, said: “The proposals have been well received, with 838 letters of support currently posted on the council’s website.

This highways drop-in session has been organised to provide local residents with the opportunity to find out more about the proposed changes to the local road network.”

Tesco said there were 117 letters of objection posted on the council website up to Monday.

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/9654720.Last_chance_to_question_superstore_road_change/
 
#231 ·
From the Bolton news...
A touch of real luxury for 104 university students

HERE are the first pic- tures inside new luxury student flats at the for- mer Pack Horse Hotel in Bolton.

The £4 million revamp of the well-known town cen- tre building is still under construction, but 104 lucky Bolton University students will move in this Septem- ber.

Residents will have their own gym, a top-spec com- mon room housed in the former ballroom with pool tables and Sky Sports tele- vision, as well as an “aca- demic success centre” which will help overseas students with study skills.

More than 60 of the rooms have a kitchenette and every room will have ts own ensuite bathroom and flat screen TV.

Students can also pay extra to have a connection to satellite television.

The halls will have an on- site management team and be secured by key fobs. The luxury digs will also be covered by 36 CCTV cam- eras.

Developers also revealed that a disabled room would be installed on the ground floor, subject to planning permission.

Refurbishments are due to finish by the start of August and then rooms will be decorated before students move in the fol- lowing month.

More than 50 residents have already signed up to live in the halls.

Inquiries about the accommodation have come from France, Germany Italy and as far away as Malaysia,

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news...al_luxury_for_104_university_students/?ref=nt
 
#232 ·
Place North West.

CPO clearance for Bolton interchange

12 Sep 2012, 11:12




Plans for the town's bus and train station redevelopment have taken step forward with government approval of powers to secure the land required.

Eric Pickles, Communities Secretary, granted a compulsory purchase order enabling the council to complete negotiations with landowners and tenants. The decision followed a two-day public inquiry held in the summer.

Cllr Cliff Morris, leader of Bolton Council, said: "This is excellent news and this decision marks another significant milestone in the delivery of this scheme. The interchange is a key part of our town centre development programme and supports our regeneration proposals for this area.

"We have already made significant progress to acquire the necessary land without having to go down the CPO route. Having the approval means that we can compulsorily purchase the land but we would only use the CPO as a last resort."

The Transport for Greater Manchester project is being developed in partnership with Bolton Council and designed by Aedas Architects. Full planning permission has already been secured for the bus station element of the scheme.

The project includes landscaping and public realm improvements which will support the wider regeneration of Bolton town centre.

Funding of £48m comes from the Greater Manchester Transport Fund. Subject to securing the necessary approvals the new facility could be operational by 2015.

Plans for a high quality commercial development on the site are also being developed.
 
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