Key Points
- · Bolton Council set to vote on transformational Church Wharf development plans in town centre.
- · The £150 million project includes a hotel, over 400 new homes, retail and commercial spaces.
- · The development is phased over three stages and involves a hybrid planning application.
- · Bolton Council acquired the land and is enabling development by selling the site in stages to Watson Homes.
- · The project benefits from £5 million brownfield housing grant from Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
- · Expected to create 1,500 construction jobs and add £64 million in economic value to Bolton.
- · Around 82 homes will be affordable, managed by Onward Homes.
- · The development includes flood mitigation, public realm improvements, and infrastructure upgrades.
- · The scheme is part of Bolton’s broader £1 billion town centre regeneration plan.
- · Previous development attempts stalled due to viability; council's intervention is pivotal.
What is the Church Wharf development project about?
As reported by the Bolton Council official news , the Church Wharf regeneration is a major £150 million town centre construction project aiming to breathe new life into a previously derelict brownfield site in Bolton. The project includes plans for a hotel with approximately 130 rooms, over 400 new homes, significant retail and commercial space, and public realm enhancements. It represents a transformative opportunity to create a new urban neighbourhood with over 1,000 residents expected upon completion. The council acquired the land and properties backing onto Bank Street and Manor Street, cleared the site through demolition, and is facilitating development by transferring land in phases to local developer Watson Homes for a nominal fee.
Previous attempts to develop the site, including a 2019 proposal by Muse Development, failed largely due to economic viability challenges associated with brownfield development sites. Bolton Council intervened decisively with a town centre masterplan and funding to close this viability gap and attract investment, ensuring that development could proceed.
Why is Bolton Council involved in this project?
Bolton Council's involvement has been critical given the financial and logistical challenges of regenerating the Church Wharf site. Council Leader, Cllr Nick Peel explained to Bolton Council news reporters that the site’s nature meant developers were uncertain about their potential to profit, stating: “Without interventions of this type, the regeneration of our town centre would simply not have been possible”.
The council's £100 million town centre master plan strategically targets such intervention areas, acquiring, clearing, and enabling sites before working with private sector partners. The council not only facilitates development through land transfers at a nominal fee but also will share in future profits once the development is complete. Deputy Leader, Cllr Akhtar Zaman highlighted the broader vision to "reimagine our town centre with the right mix of residential, hospitality, leisure, employment and retail offer" reflecting changing shopping habits and evolving community needs.
What are the specifics of the phased development and planning applications?
According to Placenorthwest’s detailed reporting on the planning status , Watson Homes submitted a hybrid planning application for the Church Wharf project which covers around 7.5 acres in Bolton town centre.
· Phase One: Full planning permission has been sought for 390 apartments, eight townhouses, and 7,000 sq ft of retail space. This phase will be built on a former surface-level car park bounded by Bow Street and All Saints Street.
· Phase Two: Outline permission for a six-storey 130-bed hotel and an additional 5,400 sq ft of commercial space.
· Phase Three: Outline permission for 10 flats, 10 townhouses, and 2,100 sq ft of remaining retail floorspace.
The plans designate approximately 82 homes as affordable housing, which will be managed by Onward Homes. The project is supported by a £5 million brownfield housing fund grant from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to help overcome the financial challenges of restoring a long-neglected riverside area.
How will the Church Wharf development impact Bolton's economy and community?
An independent economic impact assessment cited by Bolton Council projected that the Church Wharf project will lead to £75 million in direct construction spending, creation of about 1,500 jobs, and £64 million in gross value added to Bolton’s local economy. Upon completion, the neighbourhood will generate around £7 million annually in household spending on local goods and services.
Rob Watson, Director of Watson Homes, expressed enthusiasm during the planning consultation, noting that the project is "not just about new buildings; it’s about revitalising Bolton town centre" to provide dynamic leisure opportunities, housing, and a hotel fostering economic growth and community enhancement.
The development also incorporates essential infrastructure enhancements such as flood mitigation and improvements to highways and public spaces, addressing the site’s geographical challenges within a river valley and close to listed buildings and conservation areas.
What challenges has the Church Wharf project faced?
The project site is a complex brownfield zone with multiple constraints including flood risk, previously developed land, and conservation considerations, which historically deterred investment. The failure of 2019 proposals by Muse Development is attributed to financial viability issues, a common challenge in brownfield developments. Bolton Council’s strategic acquisition of the land and provision of financial incentives has been crucial to overcoming these barriers.
What is the wider context for Church Wharf in Bolton's regeneration?
Church Wharf is one of six key intervention areas within Bolton’s ambitious £1 billion town centre regeneration programme. The project complements other residential developments such as those at Moor Lane and Deansgate Gardens, which collectively aim to bring 5,000 new residents to the town centre. This influx is designed to support local businesses and attract further investment, reinforcing Bolton’s long-term economic and community development plans.
When is the council’s vote on the Church Wharf plans scheduled?
According to recent reports by Yahoo News and Bolton Council news , a key vote is imminent (expected within days) at the Bolton Council meeting to approve the Church Wharf development plans. The vote will determine if Watson Homes can proceed with their hybrid planning application to build the hotel, residential units, and commercial spaces integral to this large-scale town centre transformation.