The Bolton Thread

[flange]

Plans for the new NCP Multi Storey Car Park behind the new Bolton Community College and Bolton Sixth Form College are now online, there will be 808 spaces in the new car park.

http://www.planning.bolton.gov.uk/DC...ystemkey=74258

[andysimo123]

Wow! Are we all going to look like that in the future?

[Comdot]

in bolton anyway

[flange]

Prince Edward to unveil plaque at Market Place

6:52pm Monday 1st September 2008

PRINCE Edward will visit Bolton this month to mark the opening of the new Market Place shopping centre.

The complex will be officially opened on Tuesday, September 16, by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Anthony Connell.

The Victorian building has been restored to its former glory by developer Warner Estate, which has invested £100 million in the project.

The Earl of Wessex will be unveiling a plaque in the shopping centre on Tuesday, September 30. It will be a reminder for many people of the opening of the original Market Place Shopping Centre in 1988, which was officiated by The Queen.

Warner Estate has refurbished the Market Hall, giving it a new lease of life by preserving the Victorian features while providing 100,000sq ft of retail units.

Cllr Connell said: “We are very proud to welcome the Earl of Wessex to Bolton and look forward to showing him this fine example of a Victorian Market Hall that has now been given a new lease of life through a stunning restoration project."

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/..._Market_Place/

[flange]

Royal opening of new university buildings in UK – with live link to UAE

Tuesday 02 September 2008

The University of Bolton will open new buildings in the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates on Tuesday 30 September.

HRH, The Earl of Wessex will formally open the new £2.5 million student development in Bolton and witness the simultaneous unveiling of a commemorative plaque, via satellite link, at the university's new £1m campus in Ras al Khaimah, UAE.

As part of his visit The Earl of Wessex will see an exhibition of student work and visit the new Students' Union facilities, part of the multi-million development at Deane Campus.

The focal point of the opening event visit will be the new Social Learning Zone, a suite of stunning facilities based in the former textile hall, adjacent to the Student Information Centre and Eagle Mall.

The bright, spacious social learning zone gives students space to study in a traditional library setting or in a relaxed atmosphere with access to the latest wireless technology, enabling students to work in groups online as well as in networks. It offers seating for 200 students. Adjacent are:

a mezzanine floor students' union with bar and social facilities;

a new all-day, every-day computer access room;

new students' union offices and advice centre.

The development also includes a new library entrance, leading into the Social Learning Zone.

Now completed this combined student services area will cover floor space equivalent to the size of a football pitch (approx 2000 sq m) which also includes a student union shop and café facilities.

The scheme marks the completion of an £8m, two-year building development programme which included the £1.7m Innovation Factory, a new suite of teaching space which includes purpose-built, glass-fronted art studios leading out into Christ Church gardens.

Said Vice Chancellor and Head of the University of Bolton, Dr George Holmes:

'I am delighted The Earl of Wessex has agreed to open the facilities here and at Ras al Khaimah.

'These exciting, new student-centred facilities are right in the heart of campus.

'We know students today want somewhere to relax, get on line, text and study. They will be able to bring books in from the library, use their lap-tops and discuss projects with fellow students or tutors.

'If they want to work at a terminal the new computer zone is upstairs. Any information issues; it's right across the mall. We're creating a one-stop-shop for students, bringing together just about everything they need when they are not in lectures.

'This simultaneous opening with the new campus in UAE by HRH, The Earl of Wessex is a unique event and builds on our international presence in China, Malaysia and Vietnam.'

http://www.bolton.ac.uk/News/News-Ar...ept2008-1.aspx

[heatonparkincakes]

Cool now the good students of Bolton can witness stonings of women, live executions, forced hormone injections in gay men to stop them being gay, children being raped and tortured before they mount a camel, anti semitic TV shows.


If f course if it isnt censored before hand..............

[flange]

24:7 working will get The Market Place open

9:20pm Thursday 11th September 2008

By Cherry Thomas

HUNDREDS of people are working round the clock on the new Market Place.

And it will be ready to open on Tuesday — despite looking like there is still a lot to do.

There is a hive of activity in the town centre as the finishing touches are put to the £40 million restoration.

Work has been under way at the shopping centre since April 2007 and bosses at the centre say it will be completed on time.

Rod Neasham, shopping centre manager, said: “The number of people working on the Market Place must be well into the hundreds.

“They are working flat out to get it ready.

“We are seeing a big impact every day and the centre is changing all the time.

“We will be ready and opening at 10am on Tuesday.

“We are really excited now that our opening is imminent and can’t wait to show off our new shops.”

The stores are nearly ready, most staff have been recruited and are being trained and stock is arriving.

Frank Joyce, area director of Miller Construction, said: “We are in the final throes and it’s something special now when you see the lights on and people in their yellow vests in all the shops. It’s coming together really well and there is a real buzz about the place.”

The new Market Place will welcome shoppers for the first time after the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Anthony Connell, has cut the ribbon to open the centre.

The first 50 shoppers into the centre will get a £50 voucher to spend in the Market Place.

They will be able to visit Oasis, Bank, H&M, Zara, Jane Norman, Claire’s, Moss Bros, Zumo, Starbucks, The Carphone Warehouse, Principles, Warehouse, Lush and Office, which are all new tenants.

The new retailers join existing stores, including Debenhams, Next, River Island, Topshop, Topman and JD Sports.

Independent local businesses Westwells Florist, Stokes Opticians, Cappuccinos Restaurant, C&J Carter Jewellers, Photoworld, Varanni and Pink and Millers Bags will be alongside the high street names.

Many retailers are planning special events, Starbucks will have Lofty the Lion and a Bolton Wanderers player in store, signing mugs in aid of Royal Bolton Hospital Breast Cancer Unit, and the first 200 H&M customers will receive a £5 discount voucher.

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/...et_Place_open/

[flange]

Market Place set to open

3:40am Monday 15th September 2008

By Nick Lakeman

BOLTON Market Place will reveal it’s new look tomorrow after construction staff worked round the clock to complete the £40 million restoration on time.

Hundreds of workers have been putting the finishing touches to the project, which has been underway since April last year.

Their efforts have allowed bosses to confidently declare the shopping centre will open as planned at 10am with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Anthony Connell.

Hundreds of shoppers are then expected to flood into the centre eager to check out new tenants like Oasis, H&M, Zara, Jane Norman, Principles and Warehouse, with the first 50 winning a £50 voucher to spend inside.

Rod Neasham, shopping centre manager, said: “The number of people working on the Market Place must be well into the hundreds.

“They have been working flat and we will be ready and opening at 10am.

“We are really excited now that our opening is imminent and can’t wait to show off our new shops.”

Frank Joyce, area director of Miller Construction, said: “We are in the final throes and it’s something special now when you see the lights on and people in their yellow vests in all the shops.

“It’s coming together really well and there is a real buzz about the place.”

Many retailers are planning special events. Starbucks will have Lofty the Lion and a Bolton Wanderers player in store, signing mugs in aid of Royal Bolton Hospital Breast Cancer Unit, and the first 200 H&M customers will receive a £5 discount voucher.

Rod Neesham added: “I think we are going to see the start of the regeneration of Bolton town centre as a shopping destination. There is plenty more development activity to come and with the Market Place regeneration, Bolton could be back on the map.”

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/...e_set_to_open/

[flange]

Free bus boost

7:00am Monday 15th September 2008

By Saiqa Chaudhari

A FREE bus service will ferry shoppers around Bolton town centre.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA) has put aside cash for the hop-on hop-off buses.

Bolton Council will also help finance the £200,000 a year scheme, which officers hope will provide a big boost for the centre and complement the investment in the Market Hall.

Bolton Council’s executive member for environmental services, Cllr Nick Peel said he wants the scheme introduced as soon as possible.

Bolton is the only Greater Manchester authority outside of the city centre to get a free bus service.

The news that buses will be provided follows the success of the Metroshuttle in Manchester city centre.

Each year passengers make 2.3 million journeys on the Manchester Metroshuttle bus. The buses run on three routes every 10 minutes.

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/...ree_bus_boost/

[leadfrog1]

Some good infomation on the site below:

http://www.businessbolton.org/

[flange]

New Bolton campus creates a green benchmark

16th September 2008

By Anastasia Weiner - Business Correspondent

BOLTON Sixth Form College students will be studying in environmental style with the launch of its £14m Farnworth Campus.

The building, which is completely recyclable with all timber sourced from sustainable forests, boasts a central atrium that allows light to enter all floors of the building as it main feature.

The new campus will enable more Bolton students to benefit from being able to study their chosen course within their local community.

Ross Wellman, real estate partner from law firm Halliwells, which advised the college on all legal right associated with the new campus, said that it had a highly successful project.

"The new campus provides a flagship education establishment that will attract students from across Bolton," he added.

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/north...s_section=4148

[leadfrog1]

Does anyone have infomation on the redevelopment of the former odeon cineman, i can only find old bit and pieces from mid 07. thanx in advance

[flange]

£210m complex set for go-ahead

10:10am Thursday 18th September 2008

By Nick Lakeman

PLANS for a £210 million town centre cinema, hotel and office, housing and retail complex is set to be given the green light by Bolton Council today.

The council’s planning committee will consider the plans for the Church Wharf scheme, which will be built by developers Bluemantle and Ask Developments.

Planning officers have recommended the plans — which will create around 1,500 new jobs over 10 years — be approved.

Cllr Sean Hornby will chair today’s planning committee meeting.

The 14.3-acre site, next to St Peter’s Way, will feature eight buildings, including homes, a 126-bedroom hotel, up to 10 cafes, bars and restaurants and public spaces.

Work could begin on the development by late next year and could take 10 years to complete.

The scheme is a key part of ambitious plans to regenerate the whole of the town centre over the next 10 years and councillors were yesterday briefed on the finer details before the application is put to the vote.

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/..._for_go_ahead/

[flange]

University plan for mill

5:41pm Thursday 18th September 2008

BOLTON University is hoping to temporarily expand its special effects department into a mill building.

The university has recently bought Holt’s Mill in Deane Road and now wants to use it for extra classroom space.

Bosses have applied for planning permission to allow the university to use the second and fourth floors of the building for teaching.

Their submission to Bolton Council says: “This application is an important element of the overall estate strategy for the university and is integral to the continued growth of the university. The aim is to meet a short term requirement for teaching space for the special effects department.”

The application also claims the move would improve the interior of the mill and help preserve some of Bolton’s industrial heritage. Other floors in the building are occupied by Holts Hosiery, a business which would be unaffected by the application.

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/...plan_for_mill/

[flange]

First look at pool plan

11:40am Thursday 18th September 2008

By Nick Lakeman



MAKING A SPLASH: An artist’s impression of the swimming pool, health and education development at the university’s Deane Road campus.

A NEW £30.6 million public swimming pool will open in Bolton town centre by April 2011, it has been revealed.

The Bolton News can exclusively unveil the design of the development which will house the eight-lane, 25-metre pool, along with a new health centre and university sports science labs.

Officials say the building will transform the University of Bolton’s Deane Road campus and form a key part of a future development that will include a cinema, hotels, apartments, offices, a magistrates court and a transport interchange.

Bolton Council will pay £11.1m towards the scheme, Bolton NHS Primary Care Trust will pay £12m and the university will contribute £7.5m.

The design of the 4,700sq metre complex is expected to go before a planning committee next month.

The competition-sized pool, half the length of an Olympic pool, would seat 250 spectators. The building will also contain a therapeutic hydrotherapy pool for people with disabilities, a fitness suite, aerobics studio and a community gym. Serco, the company which manages the council’s leisure centres, will run the pool and hopes to encourage more people to lead healthier lifestyles.

The development will replace The Water Place baths which closed in 2002.

Bolton Council Leader Cllr Cliff Morris said: “By combining our efforts, we want to encourage both participation in sports and to close the gap that exists between healthier communities and those whose health is affected by poverty and other social factors.

“This project is one of the first significant landmarks within the Bolton Innovation Zone, which will create more than 4,000 jobs and attract £300m of private investment in the next 10 years.”

Adjoining the pool will be a four-storey urgent care medical centre which will deal with patients suffering from injuries such as cuts or broken limbs, thereby freeing up resources at the Royal Bolton Hospital’s A&E department.

Health chiefs say the plans include x-ray rooms and diagnostic facilities, such as scanners, will be brought in to meet demand if necessary.

Tim Evans, the NHS trust’s chief executive, said: “This development will not only provide more convenient urgent care and routine health services in the heart of Bolton, but also cement the links between health and exercise, highly-trained health workers and education.”

The university says the two sports science labs will help it grow as a centre of teaching and research.

There are plans to replace the current sports hall with one featuring four indoor courts, a climbing wall and a running track.

Vice-chancellor Dr George Holmes said: “It is an exciting time. The new development will be a wonderful asset, benefitting our students, staff and the entire town.”

A new access road between Moor Lane and Trinity Street will replace a section of Moor Lane between Deane Road and Derby Street.

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/..._at_pool_plan/

[Goldie]

Market Place still had the builders in on Friday but was looking very nice. I didn't see it before it has its makeover, but I'd guess this was achieved by booting the actual market out somewhere a lot less salubrious?

[flange]

Originally Posted by flange

Work to start on 800-space car park

8:20am Wednesday 24th September 2008

By Nick Lakeman

THIS is the new multi-storey car park that will tower over one of the main gateways into Bolton.

Work will soon begin on the 800 space, six-storey construction as part of a wider £75 million scheme to create a new Community and Sixth Form College campus on land off Deane Road.

The car park is one of up to six planned as part of the £1.2 billion regeneration of the town centre, which includes offices, shops, bars, hotels and a cinema.

While it is built, an existing surface car park, which has spaces for 550 cars in Deane Road, will be close.

Cllr Nick Peel, the executive member for environmental services, said: “This is short term pain, for long term gain.

“We’re trying to make it more pedestrian-friendly in the town centre and a much more enjoyable experience for people.”

The Deane Road car park will close on November 10, while the new multi-storey — to be located behind the new campus — will not open until 2010.

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/...pace_car_park/

[flange]

Bar bids to revive town nightlife

5:20pm Thursday 25th September 2008

A BAR which has been closed for a year will re-open tonight — with a mission to breathe fresh life into Bolton town centre.

The new owners of Chic in Nelson Square have spent £80,000 on a revamp.

Giuseppe Granata, who bought the business, hopes to bring people back in the evenings after a series of violent incidents.

During 48 hours in July there were five stabbings in Bolton, which Mr Granata believes have affected the town’s nightlife, along with the credit crunch.

Paul Gilligan, aged 31, was stabbed to death at the former Pepper Alley pub in Crown Street on July 13. The day before, a man, aged 24, was stabbed in Chorley Old Road in a row over cigarettes and a 19-year-old was stabbed in the neck, also in Chorley Old Road.

There was another stabbing involving two brothers, and a man was treated for stab wounds by medical staff in an incident not reported to the police.

Figures released in August revealed there had been 114 incidents involving knives in Bolton over the previous year.

Mr Granata, who already owns Vogue, a bar in Bradshawgate, said: “The stabbings have had an impact, the town is quieter.

“I think there are fewer people coming into town. I think the older people especially aren’t coming in as much. I don’t think it’s just that though, it’s the economy the, credit crunch and lots of things. We want people to know they can still come in town and have fun and be safe.

“We want to start bringing people back into Bolton, in particular the older crowd.”

Tonight’s VIP opening of Chic is invitation-only and will include a champagne reception to celebrate the launch of the bar.

The event will be held between 8pm and 10pm, when the doors will open to the public. The bar’s usual opening nights will be Friday and Saturday.

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/...own_nightlife/

[flange]

Brisk start for the new Market Place

5:26pm Thursday 25th September 2008

BOLTON’S new Market Place shopping centre enjoyed a bumper first week.

Manager Rod Neasham said an unprecedented number of people had passed through the doors since the reopening last Wednesday.

Although visitor and turnover figures are not yet available, car park statistics show that 8,500 vehicles used the centre’s multi-storey in the first seven days of trading — an increase on average figures of 25 per cent.

Mr Neasham said: “It’s been very busy.

“We were concerned about opening on a Tuesday and thought it would be a challenge.

“But we were delighted with the response we’ve had. Sales have been well above expectations.

“We’ve had a lot of new visitors to the town in response to the extensive advertising we have done.

“Shoppers who came to Bolton in the past are now returning and, hopefully, retailers inside and outside of the Market Place are seeing the benefit.”

A £40 million, 18-month project transformed the old Market Hall into a modern retail space, attracting High Street names such as Zara, H&M, Starbucks and Lush to Bolton for the first time.

Mr Neasham said the number of people walking out of stores weighed down with shopping bags underlined that the first week had been a success.

Two new shops are set to open in the next month.

Designer sportswear shop, Foot Asylum, will open on the upper level and historical gift shop, Past Times.

Prince Edward will visit the Market Place next Tuesday to unveil a commemorative plaque.

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/..._Market_Place/

[flange]

Royal approval for uni plans

30/ 9/2008

A UNIVERSITY'S ambitious plans to extend its reach to the Middle East were getting royal approval today.

Bolton University is launching a campus for hundreds of students in the Arab state of Ras al Khaimah.

The new £1m campus will be staffed by lecturers from Bolton and cater for local learners hungry for British-style degrees.

The ambitious venture was being launched today by Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, who also unveiled a new library at the university's main Deane campus.

Numerous British universities have developed overseas ventures - with British higher education seen as the best in the world by many other nations.

The tiny kingdom, with a population of just 220,000, is one of the seven principalities which make up the United Arab Emirates.

Students from both countries will get the chance to take part in exchange programmes.

The university already runs a number of modules in China, Malaysia and Vietnam but this is the first time it has opened up a permanent base overseas.

Lessons will take place in a dedicated department, some 45 minutes drive from the state of Dubai.

Learners will stick to the same timetable as their counterparts in the north west, with a number of lecturers and key staff from Britain spending time in the Middle East to help establish the campus.

The new campus will be launched by Prince Edward via a satellite link.

The Royal visitor will then inspect the new Social Learning Zone, which is billed as a "relaxed library" where students can talk, drink coffee, and use laptop computers.

The £2.5m building, which boasts its own bar and social facilities, is based in the university's former textile hall close to Eagle Mall.

The former polytechnic, which gained university status in 2005, is in the process of redeveloping many of its buildings at the Deane campus.

Bosses at the university, which has nearly 9,000 students, say they have signed up around 150 students in the Middle East but expect numbers to rise to 700 within five years.

Dr George Holmes, vice chancellor of the university, said: "These exciting, new student-centred facilities are right in the heart of campus.

"We know students today want somewhere to relax, get on line, text and study. We're creating a one-stop-shop for students, bringing together just about everything they need when they are not in lectures.

"This simultaneous opening with the new campus in the Emirates is a unique event and builds on our international presence in China, Malaysia and Vietnam."

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co...._for_uni_plans