Key Points
- Plans have been proposed to convert the upper floors of 26 Deansgate, located in the town centre of Bolton, into 24 residential apartments.
- This mixed-use development will see the retention of the ground floor and basement level for commercial/retail use.
- There will be a mix of apartments comprising 14 studios, 3 one-bedroom apartments, and 7 two-bedroom apartments, ranging from 40 to 100 square metres.
- The property is located within the Deansgate Conservation Area and right next to the Grade II listed building formerly known as the National Westminster Bank.
- Extensive works on the external façade of the building include 29 new or altered window openings and 1 new door opening in order to increase the natural light and ventilation.
- Indoor cycle storage for up to 14 bikes will be provided on the ground floor.
- A heritage assessment has proved that there will be no damage caused to the historic buildings near the site due to the conversion.
- An application for permission for change of use from commercial to residential has been made to Bolton Council.
Bolton (Bolton Today) September 5, 2026 — Ambitious redevelopment plans have been officially submitted to create 24 new residential apartments within a prominent town centre building. Under proposals lodged with local planning authorities, the upper storeys of 26 Deansgate, situated at the prominent junction with Bridge Street, would undergo a full conversion from commercial floor space into self-contained urban homes. The scheme forms part of a wider trend across the borough aimed at converting surplus commercial footprint into high-density residential accommodation while protecting ground-floor retail functions.
The application seeks prior approval for the change of use from commercial, business, and service space to residential dwellinghouses. As detailed in official planning submissions, the ground floor and basement areas will remain dedicated to commercial and retail activity. The proposed residential layout features 14 studio apartments, three one-bedroom flats, and seven two-bedroom apartments, resulting in a net increase of 24 dwellings for the town centre. The unit footprints range from 40 square metres for the smallest studio layouts up to 100 square metres for the largest two-bedroom units.
The development site holds a notable position within the Deansgate Conservation Area and sits directly next to the Grade II-listed former National Westminster Bank building. Although 26 Deansgate itself is not a listed asset, any proposed changes to its exterior must comply with strict heritage standards to ensure the historic fabric of the surrounding streetscape is preserved.
To facilitate the residential layout and ensure adequate living conditions, a series of subtle external updates have been included in the submission. A heritage impact assessment accompanying the application reveals that nine new window openings and one new door opening are slated for the west elevation, alongside 20 new window openings on the east elevation. The plans also call for a replacement front door and the infilling of an existing window aperture to accommodate interior partitions.
According to the planning documents submitted to local authorities, the addition of these window openings is vital to maximize interior daylight and natural ventilation across all 24 flats. The heritage assessment concludes that the alterations will match existing window frame styles and will not generate visual harm to the neighbouring listed bank or the wider conservation area, as the bulk of the structural adjustments are shielded from primary public viewpoints.
sustainability and transport considerations have also been integrated into the design. Highlighting the site’s central position, developers point to nearby public transport links, including local bus routes and rail connections, along with accessible pay-and-display parking facilities. To encourage sustainable commuting, an internal storage area accommodating up to 14 bicycles will be constructed on the ground level. The prior approval application remains under active consideration by planning officers at Bolton Council.
What are the main details of the 26 Deansgate planning application?
As reported by The Bolton News, the proposal submitted to Bolton Council seeks prior approval to repurpose the vacant or underused upper floors of 26 Deansgate into a modern residential community. The landmark building occupies a major corner plot at the intersection of Deansgate and Bridge Street.
The ground floor and basement spaces are designed to remain active commercial premises, preserving the retail continuity of the street frontage while capitalizing on unused upper-floor footprint. The scheme intends to deliver 24 self-contained flats, split across three primary layout types:
- 14 Studio Apartments: Compact urban layouts starting at 40 square metres.
- 3 One-Bedroom Apartments: Mid-sized flats tailored for single occupants or couples.
- 7 Two-Bedroom Apartments: Larger living spaces extending up to 100 square metres.
The application confirms that the internal conversion will lead to a net increase of 24 residential units, directly supporting local targets to bring more residents into the heart of the town.
How will the historic character of the Deansgate Conservation Area be protected?
Because the building sits inside the Deansgate Conservation Area and immediately adjacent to the historic Grade II-listed former National Westminster Bank, preserving the character of the setting was a key requirement for the design team.
As reported by The Bolton News, a comprehensive heritage assessment submitted alongside the planning application concludes that the proposed refurbishment will cause no harm to the setting of the listed building or the broader conservation zone.
To improve light levels for future residents, the project includes:
- West Elevation: Nine new window openings and one new door opening.
- East Elevation: 20 new window openings.
- General Elevation Adjustments: A replacement main entrance door and the selective infilling of one existing window.
Planning documentation notes that all newly inserted window frames will match the design, materials, and profiles of the existing windows on the building. Furthermore, because many of the structural changes are located on side elevations, they will remain largely unobtrusive from main thoroughfares, ensuring the visual historic aesthetic remains undisturbed.
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How does this development fit into Bolton’s town centre masterplan?
The scheme at 26 Deansgate aligns with a wider regeneration initiative spearheaded by Bolton Council to repurpose underutilised commercial space and treble the town centre's residential population.
As highlighted across regional reporting, including coverage in The Lead by journalist Kevin Gopal, Bolton Council’s long-term masterplan aims to add housing for approximately 5,000 new residents on top of the existing town centre population. Municipal leaders view residential conversions as an essential step to offset historic retail decline by building an active, local consumer base.
As reported by Place North West, Bolton Council Leader Cllr Nick Peel previously emphasized the economic importance of town centre living, stating that bringing high-quality housing into the central core attracts residents with disposable income who directly support local retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses.
What other residential proposals are being considered nearby?
The proposal for 26 Deansgate is one of several adaptive-reuse applications submitted to local planning authorities in recent months.
As reported by journalist Lyell Tweed of The Bolton News, separate plans were recently submitted for a commercial-to-residential conversion on Newport Street, situated close to Bolton train station and bus interchange. That proposal aims to create six self-contained apartments across the first, second, and third floors of an existing block, complete with a rear dormer extension.
In planning documentation prepared by Caroline Tamworth Planning for the Newport Street scheme, consultants emphasized the growing necessity of town centre residential conversions:
"The site is within an accessible location within the centre of Bolton town centre where a wide range of facilities... are available. As the future occupants of the apartments will not need to rely upon the use of a private car for transport, the likelihood of car ownership will be low."
Similarly, the 26 Deansgate application relies heavily on sustainable urban planning principles. By incorporating ground-floor secure storage for 14 bicycles and utilizing proximity to public transport hubs, developers aim to minimize private vehicle reliance and reduce parking pressure in the conservation area.
What are the next steps for the 26 Deansgate development?
The application for 26 Deansgate is currently undergoing formal review by Bolton Council’s planning department. Officers will evaluate the submission against local heritage policies, residential amenity guidelines, light exposure standards, and urban conservation requirements.
If prior approval is granted, construction work is expected to focus primarily on internal partitioning, utility integration, and the careful insertion of the approved window openings along the east and west elevations. The ground floor commercial space is expected to remain operational throughout the build process or resume trade upon completion of the exterior adjustments.
Residents and local heritage groups await the council's decision, which will determine whether 26 Deansgate becomes the latest commercial property in Bolton to be converted into central housing.