Key Points
- Deansgate Gardens is a £35 million build-to-rent residential development in Bolton town centre, completed by developer Placefirst.
- The project delivers 167 high-quality rental homes, including one- and two-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom townhouses with private yards.
- The development is a pivotal element of Bolton Council’s wider £1 billion regeneration masterplan for the town centre.
- Designed by Levitt Bernstein with CW Studio advising on landscape, the scheme incorporates energy-efficient features such as heat pumps, enhanced insulation, and rooftop solar panels.
- It is located opposite the former Beales department store, within walking distance of Bolton train station, bus interchange, Queen’s Park, and the River Croal.
- Placefirst will retain ownership and management of the development, providing residents with dedicated services including a Resident Service Manager and 24/7 maintenance.
- The project involved Caddick Construction as the main contractor and has been praised for transforming underutilised brownfield land into a sustainable residential community.
- The development contributes to Bolton Council’s vision of urban renewal, attracting more people to live in the town centre and supporting local economic transformation.
What is Deansgate Gardens and Why is it Significant?
As reported by Lucy Smith of Place North West, Deansgate Gardens represents a £35 million build-to-rent project by Placefirst that has recently been completed in Bolton town centre. The development comprises 167 homes that include a mix of stylish one- and two-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom townhouses, making it unusual in the rental market where many new developments focus solely on apartments. The project is part of the wider £1 billion regeneration masterplan initiated by Bolton Council aimed at revitalising the town centre and boosting its housing supply.
Phil Jones, Development Director at Placefirst, said,
“The completion of Deansgate Gardens marks not only an exciting step for our delivery of quality homes across the UK, but also an important milestone in the regeneration of Bolton. We worked closely with Bolton Council on this scheme to create homes that meet local needs while supporting wider urban renewal goals”.
How Does Deansgate Gardens Fit into Bolton’s Regeneration Plan?
According to Bolton Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, the development plays a crucial role in attracting more residents to the town centre. He stated,
“Building quality long-term rental properties like Deansgate Gardens will help us achieve this goal. It complements other projects which are transforming Bolton into an even better place to live, work and visit”.
The leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Nick Peel, emphasised the scheme's economic importance:
“As consumer habits shift away from traditional retail, developments like Deansgate Gardens provide the crucial mix of leisure, hospitality, employment space alongside housing that forms the future town centre model. This is a prime example of meeting housing targets on brownfield sites while making Bolton a magnet for new talent through quality living and excellent transport links”.
What are the Architectural and Environmental Features of Deansgate Gardens?
The development was designed by Levitt Bernstein Architects with significant input from CW Studio focusing on the landscaping. It is centred around a network of pedestrian priority streets, a spacious communal square, courtyards, rooftop terraces, and private gardens for residents.
Energy efficiency is a key priority. Homes include heat pumps, enhanced insulation, and selected buildings feature rooftop solar panels, which helps residents reduce energy consumption and utility bills. This environmentally conscious approach makes Deansgate Gardens Placefirst’s most sustainable development to date.
Where is Deansgate Gardens Located and What Amenities Are Nearby?
Deansgate Gardens is prominently located opposite the former Beales department store on Central Street in Bolton, benefiting from excellent transport links. It is within a two-minute walk of Bolton Town Hall and close to Bolton train station, the bus interchange, and numerous town centre amenities. The development is also just a short walk from green spaces such as Queen’s Park and River Croal walkways, enhancing resident lifestyle options.
Who Built Deansgate Gardens and How Will it Be Managed?
Caddick Construction served as the main contractor for Deansgate Gardens. Dave Saville, Regional Managing Director at Caddick Construction North West, said,
“Deansgate Gardens demonstrates what is possible when underutilised brownfield sites are reimagined with the community at heart. It has been truly rewarding to work with Placefirst, whose ambition for top quality homes and sustainability has driven the project's success”.
Placefirst will maintain ownership and on-site management, offering residents continuous support through a dedicated Resident Service Manager and 24/7 maintenance services, ensuring a high standard of living experience and peace of mind.
What has Been the Public Response to the Deansgate Gardens Project?
Public reaction has been generally positive, highlighting hopes that the development will inject life into Bolton’s town centre. An anonymous commenter on Place North West remarked,
“Looks great, an excellent way to get people into the town centre using shops, cafés, bars and the Octagon. Good start; I hope there is much more to come!”.
Another user praised the project as a "great looking brownfield development" with the potential to spearhead further progress in Bolton.
How Does Deansgate Gardens Reflect Broader Trends in Urban Living and Rental Housing?
The project illustrates a growing trend in the UK towards purpose-built rental communities designed with long-term tenants in mind, combining convenience, sustainability, and community living. Unlike traditional buy-to-let properties or new builds aimed at owner-occupation, schemes like Deansgate Gardens focus on quality rental accommodation that meets demographic and lifestyle shifts, especially for urban professionals commuting to larger cities like Manchester.
How Does the Commuting Advantage of Deansgate Gardens Benefit Residents?
Located in Bolton with excellent rail connections to Manchester, Deansgate Gardens offers rental residents a faster and more comfortable commute compared to many suburban London or Manchester Metrolink routes. This connectivity, combined with the quality and value of the homes, plus superior local schools and green spaces, positions the development as a highly desirable place to live for a broad demographic including young professionals and families.
Deansgate Gardens stands as a flagship £35 million development in Bolton’s ongoing £1 billion regeneration plan. Mixed rental housing, sustainability features, central location, and strong public and council support mark it as a transformative addition to Bolton town centre. The collaboration between Placefirst, Bolton Council, and construction partners has delivered a new neighbourhood designed for community living, convenience, and long-term sustainability—helping redefine the urban rental market in the North West of England.