Key Points
- · Limited physical works have started at Hulton Park to preserve planning permission due to expire in October 2025.
- · Peel Land aims to secure permission ahead of a decision over hosting the Ryder Cup golf tournament.
- · The works focus on the ceremonial driveway of the proposed Ryder Cup-standard golf course.
- · Peel Land has planning permission from Bolton Council dating back to 2022, with conditions requiring a start on site within three years.
- · The broader redevelopment includes proposals for 1,000 homes and sports and cultural amenities.
- · Progress depends on Bolton securing the Ryder Cup hosting rights, expected to be decided by 2027 or later.
- · Bolton Council and Peel Land frame the project as a transformative economic and cultural investment for Bolton.
- · The work currently allowed is limited to preserve the permission; further works await Ryder Cup decisions.
- · The project promises new infrastructure including upgrading Park Avenue Link Road, enhancing community and green space access.
- · The initiative aligns with the Wigan-Bolton Growth Corridor and Greater Manchester’s long-term growth strategy.
What is the current work started at Hulton Park and why?
As reported by journalist Hannah Roberts of Place North West, Peel Land has commenced limited works on part of the ceremonial driveway tied to the proposed Ryder Cup-standard golf course at Hulton Park in Bolton this week (Thursday 11 September 2025). This activity is strategic to preserve the planning permission granted by Bolton Council in 2022, which is due to expire in October 2025, ensuring it remains valid while awaiting a decision on hosting the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the venue.
Peel Land must lawfully begin works within three years of permission grant to keep the planning consent alive, and it was authorised in January 2025 to initiate these limited works, which are now underway. The works are strictly confined to those approved by the council’s planning committee earlier in the year and do not extend to broader development elements, which remain contingent on Bolton winning the Ryder Cup hosting rights.
What is the significance of the Ryder Cup decision for the project?
According to sports development coverage by Golf Business News, the overarching scheme hinges on Bolton securing the Ryder Cup—currently shortlisted as a candidate venue for the 2031 or 2035 tournament. The selection process has been delayed beyond initial 2023-2024 expectations, placing pressure on Peel Land’s project timeline and forcing them to seek planning permission preservation through these limited physical works.
As Peel Land’s spokesperson stated, these works represent an "important step in securing permission for a project that will ultimately secure the future of Hulton Park and its rich heritage, enhance Bolton as a sporting and cultural destination, and drive long-term economic growth". The final decision on the Ryder Cup venue could come as late as 2027, meaning full-scale development cannot proceed until then.
What are the broader elements of the Hulton Park development?
The Hulton Park scheme is a £250 million development envisaging a Ryder Cup-standard golf resort, approximately 1,000 new homes, and restored heritage parklands combined with upgraded community facilities and infrastructure. Peel Land has emphasised the transformational economic potential, projecting creation of up to 1,000 jobs and enhanced tourism and local cultural appeal.
A spokesperson for Peel Land remarked, “This is a transformational opportunity for Bolton – not only as a sporting venue and cultural destination but as a catalyst for long-term economic growth, job creation and investment”. The plans also form a core component of regional growth strategies, including the Places for Everyone plan and the Wigan-Bolton Growth Corridor link between the M61 and M6 motorways.
How is the local authority supporting the project?
Bolton Council approved Peel Land's variation to the Section 106 Agreement permitting limited works to preserve planning permission at their Planning Committee meeting on 30 January 2025. A council spokesperson stated, “The council is pleased the Hulton Park bid remains live as momentum continues to build behind Bolton’s ongoing regeneration” and described the Ryder Cup opportunity as “once in a lifetime” for creating an iconic sporting destination while rejuvenating historic Hulton Park.
The Council expects the development to generate positive local legacies through employment, skills development, health and wellbeing, sport, and tourism, acting as a catalyst for broader investment in the Wigan-Bolton Growth Corridor and town centres.
What infrastructure improvements are planned alongside the Hulton Park development?
Peel Land's vision includes modernising critical infrastructure, notably the Park Avenue Link Road, a key element connecting the Wigan-Bolton Growth Corridor, enabling better traffic flow and supporting increased access to the development. Green space access and community facilities are also priorities, enhancing public enjoyment while preserving the listed park’s heritage.
Recent planning documents indicate that Park Avenue has been realigned slightly to improve traffic circulation across the site, complementing plans for improved public and community access within the development.
How is the community involved or impacted?
Peel Land engaged with local stakeholders and set up a Community Liaison Group to address comments and feedback as they phased updates to their proposals to Bolton Council. The redevelopment promises health and wellbeing benefits, job creation, and housing supply which has been a community priority, all while aiming to preserve the historic estate and green spaces.
What is the next step for Hulton Park's future?
Further announcements regarding Hulton Park's future phases and Ryder Cup investment are anticipated in due course once the crucial decision on the international golf event venue is made. Peel Land intends to continue working collaboratively with public and private partners to unlock the project's full potential, leveraging momentum gained from planning approvals and positive council support.