A MULTI-million pound scheme to build a hotel, cinema, homes, restaurants and a shopping complex in Bolton town centre moved a step closer yesterday.

Councillors unanimously granted outline planning permission for the £226 million Church Wharf development.

The decision paves the way for developers to start adding the finer details to a project which will create thousands of jobs and transform the North-east section of the town centre.

Included in the plans are:

  • A 126-bedroom hotel and public square bounded by Brown Street, Manor Street and Folds Road.
  • A business quarter containing 30,000 sq m of office space in eight new buildings, between All Saints Street, Kay Street and St Peter’s Way.
  • A multi-screen cinema and restaurants and cafe bars in a square by Bank Street Unitarian Chapel.
  • A residential area next to the River Croal, of up to 720 apartments in six buildings, as well as family homes.
  • Two multi-storey car parks.

Graham Stock, speaking on behalf of the joint developers ASK and Bluemantle, said: “Our town centres are living, breathing dynamic places but they need investment.

“Church Wharf is a fundamental part of the future vision for the regeneration of Bolton town centre and it’s an integral part of the council’s masterplan.”

Bolton Council hopes Church Wharf will open up the town centre by attracting more visitors to the borough and encouraging workers to stay in the centre to shop and socialise after work and at weekends.

The site contains mainly industrial buildings, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, which will be demolished before construction begins.

Almost 400 trees on the site will also need to be felled.

The Church Wharf scheme has been welcomed by councillors.

Cllr Linda Thomas, the council’s deputy leader, said: “This is a very exciting development.

“We’re one step nearer to achieving the vision we all have for the town centre. This is two big developers, who obviously have a lot of confidence in Bolton.”

Conservative group leader Cllr John Walsh said: “We will be losing some of the older buildings in this area but we’ve got to look at the positives.

“It will open up the whole area around the parish church.

Lib Dem councillor David Wilkinson added: “The new housing will bring a mix of people back into the town centre.”

Work could begin on the development by late next year and could take 10 years to complete.