Key Points
- · The Wellsprings is a new innovation hub and workspace located in the heart of Bolton town centre on Le Mans Crescent.
- · The project involved the transformation of a dated 1980s office building into a modern, flexible, and tech-driven space.
- · The Wellsprings offers 22,700 sq ft of office space, 8,300 sq ft of commercial and retail space, with co-working zones, meeting rooms, and business support facilities.
- · The £11m project was funded mainly by the UK Government’s Towns Fund (£6.9m) and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (£1.4m).
- · Construction started in summer 2023 by Robertson Construction North West and was completed by September 2024.
- · Oxford Innovation Space will manage the workspace, providing support and business growth opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs.
- · Bolton Council leaders highlighted the project as a catalyst for regeneration and new business growth, supporting sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and creative technology.
- · The Wellsprings is part of broader Bolton town centre regeneration initiatives including the newly renovated Central Library, Bolton Market Food Hall, Elizabeth Park, and new residential developments.
- · The workspace is designed to foster innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, and networking amongst Bolton’s professional and creative communities.
What is The Wellsprings and why was it developed?
As reported by Place North West, The Wellsprings is a newly completed £11 million innovation hub in Bolton’s town centre, created by transforming an existing 1980s office block into a modern, flexible workspace designed to drive entrepreneurship and business growth. The five-storey building offers 22,700 square feet of office space and 8,300 square feet of commercial and retail space, with facilities tailored for startups and technology-driven businesses. The project was funded by the UK Government through the Towns Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, underlining the commitment to regenerate the local economy and community.
Bolton Council and Clear Futures have partnered on this project with Robertson Construction North West as the contractor. The council’s direct intervention aimed to convert an underused building into a vibrant workspace to encourage local business leaders and entrepreneurs to establish themselves in Bolton’s town centre, promoting a thriving business ecosystem.
What facilities does The Wellsprings offer to businesses?
According to the official Wellsprings Bolton website and Bolton Council news, The Wellsprings provides a highly flexible workspace environment that includes co-working spaces, private offices for small to medium teams, meeting rooms, call pods, event areas, bike storage, and kitchen facilities. The workspace supports the creative and technology sectors primarily, fostering a collaborative environment for innovation.
In addition to physical space, The Wellsprings offers a calendar of networking events, business coaching, and workshops designed to help startups grow and connect. On-site, there is a business lounge and health and wellbeing facilities to support entrepreneurs' productivity and work-life balance. The building’s location in Bolton’s cultural quarter and proximity to the Town Hall and Central Library enhance its appeal to innovative, creative professionals.
How does The Wellsprings fit into Bolton’s wider regeneration plans?
As detailed in reports by Bolton Council and Place North West, The opening of The Wellsprings marks a significant milestone in Bolton’s comprehensive town centre regeneration strategy. Other recent and ongoing developments include the renovation of the historic Central Library, the creation of the Bolton Market Food Hall, the new Elizabeth Park (the first new green space in a century), and the construction of new residential neighbourhoods such as Moor Lane and Deansgate Gardens.
Bolton Council views The Wellsprings as central to attracting new businesses and fostering innovation, thus complementing the town’s strong economy in manufacturing, logistics, and growing creative sectors. The workspace forms part of the larger Bolton Vision 2040 masterplan aimed at economic transition and sustainable growth.
Who were the main contributors and partners for the project?
Robertson Construction North West was the main contractor responsible for the refurbishment, which included upgrading heating, cooling, lighting, telecoms, and installing new flooring and furnishings. The construction process also focused on social value initiatives, employing 16 local people, offering apprenticeships, traineeships, and providing work experience opportunities for students.
Bolton Council, as the project owner, provided strategic direction and funding, supported by Clear Futures, which managed the regeneration partnership. Oxford Innovation Space will manage The Wellsprings post-completion, bringing their expertise from operating innovation hubs nationally to provide business support and community engagement.
What are the expectations from The Wellsprings for Bolton’s economy and business community?
Bolton Council Leader Cllr Nick Peel stated that The Wellsprings has transformed an outdated office block into a dynamic workspace promoting business growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Deputy Leader Cllr Akhtar Zaman emphasized the importance of attracting new ideas and companies with modern, flexible spaces that support start-ups and business networking.
Oxford Innovation Space’s managing director Jo Stevens highlighted the ambition to build a collaborative community of startups sharing knowledge and success. Centre Manager Nick Brushett praised Bolton’s transport links, culture, and regeneration effort, underscoring The Wellsprings as a “perfect place to grow a business” and home for entrepreneurs.
How does The Wellsprings support innovation and creativity specifically?
As reported by Business Bolton and Clear Futures, The Wellsprings workspace was designed to nurture Bolton’s CreaTech (creative and technology) sector. Its flexible, vibrant zones encourage networking, socialising, and collaboration between businesses. Features such as open-plan kitchens, private phone booths, business lounges, and wellbeing spaces create an environment where innovation and creativity can flourish.
Further, the space offers accelerator programmes, small suites for teams from four to 36 people, and advanced meeting and event facilities including auditorium, seminar rooms, podcast studios, and video conferencing booths. This comprehensive setting provides startups and creative businesses with the resources and environment to develop and thrive in Bolton.
When did The Wellsprings officially open and who can apply for space?
The Wellsprings officially opened its doors in September 2024, with the first networking events and business breakfasts held immediately. Entrepreneurs and startup businesses from the creative and technology sectors are invited to apply for office spaces, coworking spots, and access the centre’s business support services.
With its prime location in Bolton town centre’s cultural quarter and connections to local talent pools from the University of Bolton and Bolton College, The Wellsprings offers a unique community for emerging and growing businesses looking to stay and scale in Bolton.