Key Points
- Bolton Council has granted planning permission for Watson’s £100 million Church Wharf regeneration project, a landmark development in the town centre.
- The scheme will deliver 415 new homes, including 82 affordable units, a 130-bedroom hotel, and 15,000 sq ft of commercial space for shops, bars, and restaurants.
- The 7.5-acre site, located near Bolton Parish Church and the River Croal, has remained dormant for decades and is a strategic priority in the town’s masterplan.
- Construction is expected to begin in 2025, with phased completion scheduled through to 2029.
- The project is supported by £5 million from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund and forms part of a wider £1 billion regeneration programme.
- An independent economic assessment forecasts the creation of 1,500 jobs and an injection of £64 million in gross value into the local economy.
- The development is expected to support over 1,000 residents and generate more than £7 million in annual local spending.
- Watson, the developer, has previously delivered the Creams Mill development in Little Lever and is also involved in Moor Lane and Deansgate Gardens projects in Bolton.
- The project team includes P4 Planning as planning consultants and Jmarchitects as lead designers, alongside specialists such as Cundall, Salford Archaeology, and Enzygo.
- Bolton Council Leader Cllr Nick Peel described the approval as a “significant step forward” in the town’s regeneration, linking it to the demolition of Crompton Place and Primark’s relocation.
What Does the Church Wharf Approval Mean for Bolton?
As reported by the Invest in Manchester editorial team, plans for a landmark £100 million regeneration scheme in Bolton towncentre have officially been approved, marking a major milestone in the transformation of the long-vacant Church Wharf site. The green light from Bolton Council paves the way for Watson, a specialist regeneration developer, to deliver a mixed-use neighbourhood on the 7.5-acre riverside plot adjacent to Bolton Parish Church. The approval follows months of consultation and forms a cornerstone of the council’s broader vision to revitalise the town centre through residential-led regeneration.
The project is set to deliver 415 new homes, comprising one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and houses, with 82 designated as affordable housing. In addition, a six-storey, 130-bedroom hotel and approximately 15,000 sq ft of commercial space for restaurants, shops, and leisure operators will be constructed. The development aims to create a vibrant, mixed-tenure community where residents can live, work, and socialise, contributing to the town’s economic and social renewal.
How Will the Development Impact the Local Economy?
An independent economic assessment, cited by Place North West, forecasts that the Church Wharf project will support the creation of 1,500 jobs during construction and operation, while injecting £64 million in gross value into the local economy. Once complete, the site is expected to be home to over 1,000 residents, generating more than £7 million in annual local spending. This economic uplift is seen as critical in attracting further private investment into underutilised areas such as Bradshawgate, which Cllr Nick Peel, Leader of Bolton Council, described as having “enormous potential for regeneration”.
The development is backed by £5 million from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund, underscoring regional support for brownfield redevelopment and town-centre living. The funding aligns with Greater Manchester’s wider housing and economic growth strategy, which prioritises the reuse of vacant urban land to meet housing demand sustainably.
What Have Local Leaders Said About the Project?
Cllr Nick Peel, Leader of Bolton Council, stated:
“This is a significant step forward in bringing the work to regenerate Church Wharf to the next stage”.
He added that the site is a “key development site at a strategic gateway to the town centre” and that the approval marks “an exciting new phase in our regeneration masterplan”. Peel linked the project to other transformative initiatives, including the upcoming demolition of Crompton Place and the relocation of Primark, which are part of a broader strategy to consolidate the retail offer while introducing leisure, hospitality, and residential spaces.
Rob Watson, Director at Watson, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to be moving forward with Church Wharf, a project that represents a major opportunity for the community of Bolton”.
He emphasized that the development is about
“creating a new neighbourhood with character and purpose, where people want to live, work, and spend time”.
Watson also highlighted the firm’s commitment to delivering long-term value, noting that the project is “an investment in lasting, positive change”.
When Will Construction Begin and What Is the Timeline?
As reported by the Construction Enquirer, construction is expected to begin in 2025, with phased completion scheduled through to 2029. The project will be delivered in three phases, aligning with the mixed-tenure housing model and the integration of commercial and hospitality components. The phased approach allows for incremental occupancy and ensures minimal disruption to the surrounding area.
The Church Wharf development will complement other major residential schemes in the town, including Moor Lane and Deansgate Gardens, both of which are already underway. These projects collectively support a shift toward town-centre living, enhancing access to amenities, public transport, and green spaces.
Who Is Behind the Development and Design?
Watson, the developer, has a track record in delivering regeneration projects across Greater Manchester, including the Creams Mill development in Little Lever, which focused on affordable housing for local families. For Church Wharf, the firm is working with P4 Planning as planning consultants and Jmarchitects as the lead design architect. The professional team also includes engineering firm Cundall, heritage consultants Civic Heritage, archaeologists from Salford Archaeology, and environmental specialists Enzygo and TACE.
The design aims to celebrate the site’s industrial heritage while delivering modern, sustainable infrastructure. Public realm improvements, green spaces, and pedestrian connectivity are integral to the masterplan, ensuring the development integrates seamlessly with the existing urban fabric.
What Is the Broader Context of Bolton’s Regeneration?
The Church Wharf project is a key component of Bolton Council’s £1 billion regeneration programme, which seeks to transform the town centre into a more vibrant, liveable, and economically resilient urban hub. The initiative includes the renovation of Bolton Market, the modernisation of Central Library, the creation of a new public park, and the refurbishment of the Wellspring office block for tech start-ups. These projects are designed to attract private investment, create jobs, and improve quality of life for residents.
As Harinder Dhaliwal, Managing Director at Step Places, noted during a site visit to the Moor Lane development:
“All of these projects are coming together to deliver the wider town centre vision and it is great to see”.
The momentum generated by these schemes is beginning to create a “real buzz and excitement around Bolton,” according to local stakeholders.