Key Points
- Bolton Council is consulting on Phase 2 of the Market Street scheme in Farnworth, aiming to improve accessibility, active travel, and public spaces.
- Significant junction improvements are planned at Manchester Road/Loxham Street and Bolton Road/Egerton Street.
- The project is funded by the Future High Street Fund (FHSF), City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS), and additional long-term investment.
- Proposed changes include improved footways, new pedestrian crossings, separated cycle lanes, green features, and new street furniture.
- A Section 106 agreement with Harworth Group will provide nearly £400,000 for active travel and junction improvements related to the Logistics North development.
- Bolton Council is inviting public feedback through online and in-person consultations, emphasising community involvement in shaping the long-term vision for Farnworth.
- Recent age-friendly consultations have influenced plans, with a focus on accessibility and facilities for older residents.
- The council has secured an additional £20 million through the Long Term Plan for Towns programme for future projects in Farnworth.
- Statements from council leaders highlight the importance of resident input in the regeneration process.
Bolton Council has launched a comprehensive public consultation on transformative changes to Farnworth’s key junctions and town centre, aiming to enhance accessibility, safety, and the overall environment for residents and visitors. The initiative, supported by multi-million-pound funding, seeks to regenerate Market Street and surrounding areas, reflecting the needs and aspirations of the community.
How Will Market Street Be Transformed?
As reported by Bolton Council, the current consultation focuses on Phase 2 of the Market Street scheme, which covers the stretch between Gladstone Road and King Street in the north and Frederick Street to Long Causeway in the south. The proposals, funded by the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS), are designed to:
- Improve footways with smoother surfaces and better drainage, enhancing the pedestrian experience.
- Introduce new pedestrian crossings to make road crossings safer.
- Create continuous footways on side roads, giving priority to pedestrians over vehicles.
- Install separated cycle lanes along the majority of the route, promoting active travel.
- Add green features, including new trees and planting, to create a more attractive and environmentally friendly streetscape.
- Provide new street furniture, such as benches, to create places for people to stop and rest.
According to the council, these improvements aim to connect the town centre with the earlier Phase 1 scheme and support the regeneration of Farnworth by making it more accessible for those on foot, by bicycle, and by public transport.
What Junction Improvements Are Planned?
Bolton Council has also announced significant changes to the junctions of Manchester Road and Loxham Street, and Bolton Road and Egerton Street. These alterations are part of a broader effort to improve traffic flow and safety for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
How Is the Community Being Consulted?
The council is inviting input from residents and businesses through an online survey and in-person events. Emily Aldridge, the contact for accessible survey formats, is available for those requiring paper, large format, or braille versions of the consultation materials1. The consultation period for Phase 2 of the Market Street scheme is open until Monday, 16th October.
Why Are These Changes Happening Now?
What Funding Has Been Secured for Farnworth?
Bolton Council was awarded funding from the Future High Street Fund (FHSF) in early 2021 to deliver the initial street transformation on Market Street. Further funding for Phase 2 comes from the CRSTS, while the Long Term Plan for Towns programme will provide an additional £20 million over the next decade for further improvements in Farnworth.
As reported by Place North West, a Section 106 agreement worth £400,000 has been reached with the Harworth Group to fund junction improvements related to the Logistics North development. This funding will support:
- A new toucan crossing at Plodder Lane (West).
- An extended cycle lane on Watergate Lane.
- An off-carriageway cycleway on Plodder Lane (East).
These measures are intended to enhance provision for pedestrians and cyclists, supporting the council’s active travel ambitions.
How Do These Plans Fit into the Wider Farnworth Masterplan?
The current proposals build on the 2019 Farnworth Town Centre Masterplan, which set out a vision to make Market Street a more attractive place to shop, live, and visit. Previous consultations in 2022 gathered feedback on public space improvements, wider pavements, traffic management, and better facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.
Who Is Shaping the Vision for Farnworth’s Future?
How Is Public Feedback Being Incorporated?
Bolton Council Deputy Leader, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, emphasised the importance of community involvement, stating:
“We are putting the building blocks in place to help us set out a plan for the delivery of our long-term project in Farnworth. This initiative needs to be shaped by residents, so we invite you to contribute through the online website and in-person events. I encourage all residents and businesses to have their say.”
Engagement events are scheduled at local community centres, and residents can also provide feedback via the dedicated website or by contacting the council directly.
What Role Have Age-Friendly Consultations Played?
According to a report by Age UK Bolton, feedback from older residents has already started to influence the council’s approach. An age-friendly consultation in May 2024, led by Age UK Bolton’s Ageing Well team, highlighted concerns such as:
- Lack of accessible parking.
- Insufficient age-friendly toilets.
- Not enough information boards.
- Poor pavement conditions, particularly on routes between key destinations.
In response, the council has begun improvements on Great Moor Street and plans to install more seating and resting places throughout the town centre. A similar consultation took place in Farnworth, with council staff touring the area alongside local older people to identify and address barriers to accessibility.
What Are the Next Steps for the Farnworth Regeneration?
How Can Residents and Businesses Get Involved?
Bolton Council is actively seeking input through multiple channels:
- Online surveys for the Market Street Phase 2 consultation.
- In-person engagement events at community venues in Farnworth.
- Direct contact via email or phone for those needing accessible consultation materials.
The council stresses that the success of the regeneration effort depends on the participation and feedback of the local community.
What Is the Timeline for the Proposed Changes?
The consultation for Phase 2 of the Market Street scheme runs until 16th October. Street improvements began in April 2024, and the long-term plan will see projects delivered over the next ten years, supported by the new £20 million funding allocation.
What Do the Media and Council Leaders Say About the Plans?
How Have Local Media Outlets Covered the Story?
- Bolton Council’s official statements outline the scope of the Market Street and junction improvement schemes, the funding sources, and the aims to boost accessibility and support local businesses.
- Place North West’s Julia Hatmaker reported on the Section 106 agreement with Harworth Group and detailed the planned active travel improvements and the logistics development’s impact on local infrastructure.
- Age UK Bolton’s news team highlighted the influence of age-friendly consultations and the council’s commitment to making the town centre more accessible for older residents.
What Is the Council’s Long-Term Vision for Farnworth?
Bolton Council’s leadership has reiterated the importance of a community-led approach to regeneration. By involving residents in consultations and incorporating their feedback into the design and implementation of projects, the council aims to ensure that the changes reflect the needs and aspirations of all who live and work in Farnworth.
In summary, Bolton Council’s ongoing consultation and planned improvements for Farnworth’s junctions and town centre represent a significant investment in the area’s future. With funding secured and a strong emphasis on community involvement, the council is working to create a safer, more accessible, and vibrant environment for all.