Key Points
- A new wellness studio, Bilatiis, is joining Capital&Centric’s flagship Farnworth Green development in Bolton, marking a milestone in the regeneration of the area.
- The Farnworth Green project is transforming the old market precinct into a modern, community-led neighbourhood with 97 new energy-efficient homes, independent shops, bars, and a strong focus on health and wellbeing amenities.
- The wider regeneration scheme is supported by substantial funding from the government’s Future High Streets Fund and forms a central part of Bolton Council’s Farnworth Town Centre Masterplan.
- The newly renovated Farnworth Leisure Centre, completed as part of this redevelopment, now boasts extended gym facilities and a new dance studio, aimed at improving community health outcomes.
- Key stakeholders, including Capital&Centric directors, Bolton Council leaders, government ministers, local contractors, and wellness studio creators, have articulated ambitions around sustainability, community impact, and local partnership.
- Net zero homes, super-insulated construction, and eco-friendly features are integral to the development, with a view to setting a blueprint for future regeneration schemes in Greater Manchester.
- Community and event spaces, including a rooftop garden, events pavilion, residents’ lounges, and a new public square, are at the heart of the development’s design.
- All statements from stakeholders, as reported in media coverage, have been included.
A new wellness studio has been welcomed as the latest addition to Capital&Centric’s flagship Farnworth Green development in Bolton, signalling a major step forward in the town’s ambitious efforts to build a vibrant, health-driven community hub within a rejuvenated urban landscape.
What is the Farnworth Green Development and Where Does the Wellness Studio Fit In?
As reported by Emma Smith of Insider Media, Capital&Centric is spearheading the extensive regeneration of the former Farnworth Market Precinct, with the project set to deliver 85 energy-efficient apartments and 12 family homes, all nestled around a “lush, green public square”. The wellness studio—named Bilatiis—joins a roster of new amenities designed to foster both physical and mental wellbeing, alongside independent eateries, coffee shops, stores, and communal spaces.
According to the official statement from Capital&Centric,
“Farnworth Green is not your average rental, these are proper homes with stunning interiors, Scandi-designed HAY furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the rooms with natural light... You’ll have access to the residents’ rooftop garden, gym & studio, lounge, co-working space, and local discounts”.
Contracts start from six months, and pet-friendly living is promoted as part of a wider lifestyle offering.
Jane Taylor of Capital&Centric’s journal describes Bilatiis as
“a wellness studio that brings together fitness, creativity and superfood experiences… creating an anchor space for new and existing residents”.
The design of Farnworth Green actively prioritises socialising, health, and creative pursuits, with the new studio reinforcing that vision.
How is Wellness and Sustainability Central to the Regeneration Project?
As covered by Place North West editor Julia Hatmaker, and corroborated by Capital&Centric’s director Tom Wilmot, the development places environmental innovation at its core, testing
“our first net zero homes at Farnworth Green, delivering our first ‘Neighbourhood’ style homes as part of the wider re-boot of the town centre”.
The timber-framed homes will include triple-glazed windows, solar PV panels, and air-source heat pumps, benefiting both the environment and residents’ energy costs.
Bolton Council’s executive member for climate change and environment, Cllr Richard Silvester, told Place North West:
“Tackling climate change is everyone’s responsibility, and the Bolton Climate Strategy sets out our plan to work with partners to make our borough cleaner and greener… We are delighted that Capital&Centric are leading the way on net-zero house building at Farnworth Green, transforming an underused site into a modern, vibrant, and sustainable urban neighbourhood”.
What Do the Stakeholders Say About the Project’s Impact?
Emma Smith of Insider Media notes that stakeholders have been vocal about the positive impact and the collaborative aspirations underpinning the scheme. Capital&Centric’s joint managing director, Tom Wilmot, stated:
“We’re aiming to set a new blueprint for regeneration of town centres in Farnworth, so it’s only right we test new net zero homes that can then be rolled out in other Greater Manchester communities”.
He emphasised that emissions from homes are a significant contributor to climate change, and this model could be replicated elsewhere for sustainable community living.
The significance of the wellness studio was also celebrated in Capital&Centric’s own reporting, with developers stating:
“This partnership furthers our ambition for a connected community where creative, health-focused new businesses sit alongside quality homes, public events, and green spaces”.
The presence of wellness amenities is repeatedly framed as a direct response to community and council priorities.
How Has Local Government Supported the Initiative?
According to Bolton Council’s official news bulletin, the transformation is a cornerstone of the Farnworth Town Centre Masterplan, developed after extensive consultation with local residents. In a statement released by Bolton Council, Deputy Leader Cllr Akhtar Zaman commented:
“When the council consulted with Farnworth residents about the regeneration plans, they told us they wanted improved facilities at the town’s leisure centre. Now we have delivered on this priority for local people, creating a place that will have a positive impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of the community”.
The council received a £13.3m grant from the government’s Future High Streets Fund, which also supports the regeneration of the old precinct, creating Farnworth Green as
“a vibrant new town centre neighbourhood delivered by renowned developers Capital&Centric”.
Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison MP added in the same release:
“We are proud to have supported projects in Farnworth with more than £13 million from our Future High Streets Fund, which is renewing and reshaping town centres and high streets across the country. The excellent new facilities at the centre, including a new exercise studio and an upgraded and extended gym, will deliver real health and wellbeing benefits to people in Farnworth...”
What Have Local Contractors and Partners Said About the Delivery?
As highlighted by the Bolton Council press office, the renovation project—which includes the new wellness studio and the upgraded Farnworth Leisure Centre—was completed on time and within budget by local construction firm Seddon, partnered with Clear Futures. John Shannon, managing director of property services at Seddon, remarked:
“Working on such a transformative and community-driven project so close to our doorstep has been an incredible privilege... Farnworth Leisure Centre is a key community attraction, and we understand the immense value its new fitness extension will provide to residents”.
Keith Edwards, Clear Futures Partnership Director, affirmed:
“Working alongside Seddon Construction, K2 Architects and Bolton Council we are extremely proud to have delivered such a successful project and to be providing an amazing facility that will benefit the people of Farnworth for many years to come”.
What Will Farnworth Green Offer to Residents and the Wider Community?
Through multiple reports by Capital&Centric and Insider Media, it is evident that Farnworth Green is envisaged as a vibrant social hub. With more than 20,000sq ft allocated to “independent bars, cafes and shops”, a ground-floor community hub, event spaces, and a newly designed public square to host artisan markets, live events, art shows, and foodie pop-ups, the aim is to “bring life back to the former market precinct”.
Residents will benefit from:
- Access to rooftop gardens and communal terraces.
- Onsite gym and wellness studios.
- A co-working space designed for flexible work arrangements.
- Modern, energy-efficient accommodations with flexible contracts and lifestyle amenities.
- Specialist event spaces for community events like yoga sessions, birthday parties, and outdoor performances.
Bilatiis, the wellness studio, is positioned as the anchor health tenant within this ecosystem, offering a combination of pilates, fitness, creativity, and nutrition-driven experiences, according to Capital&Centric.
What Do Residents and Observers Say About the Developments?
Community reaction, as reported by Place North West, includes optimism that Farnworth Green will “ideally be a bus or tram away from Manchester and Bolton” and that
“it is very nice to see this level of investment and ambition in forgotten towns such as Leigh… hopefully it is on Capital&Centric’s radar”,
reflecting hopes for wider regional benefit, as quoted from anonymous local contributors and JAB.
Bolton Community Leisure Trust’s Chair, Dave Singleton, encouraged engagement with the new and improved facilities, stating:
“To celebrate this official opening, all new customers who sign up for memberships before June 30, 2023, will pay no joining or admin fees… If you haven’t been to Farnworth Leisure Centre recently, I’d recommend you pop in soon. You won’t recognise the place – this upgrade has transformed the facility, both inside and out!”
How Does the Project Fit Into Broader Regional and National Policy?
According to a report by Invest in Bolton, the Farnworth Green development aligns with the Greater Manchester Strategy, a ten-year plan focused on boosting transport, housing, and local economies to improve the lives of all residents in the city region. The project, as cited in this regional strategy, is contributing to making Farnworth a focal point for sustainable investment and regeneration—a vision shared by local authorities and national government alike.
What is the Outlook for the Farnworth Green Development?
As per the most recent reports from Place North West and Insider Media, construction is well underway, with the residential portion expected to be completed by December. The developers are actively seeking independent retail and hospitality operators to fill the earmarked spaces, aiming to create “a new destination for food, drink and socialising” in the heart of Farnworth.
Jane Taylor of Capital&Centric reiterates that the glow-up of Farnworth Green continues:
“We’re creating a new ground floor community hub. This will give you a place to meet up, throw your kid’s birthday party in or join a yoga sesh. There’ll also be an outdoor events pavilion for community events”.