Kearsley Precinct regeneration almost complete, councillor says

Kearsley Precinct on Manchester Road, is one of multiple regeneration projects currently taking place across Bolton.

The works, costing £200k,  include resurfacing pedestrianised areas and pavements on both sides of Manchester Road and safety bollards have been installed.

A car park has also been resurfaced, as well as having new lines, disabled bays and a pedestrian crossing painted on.

The newly painted and resurfaced car park (Image: Tracey Wilkinson)

Trees in planters and benches to brighten up the area will be installed shortly.

Read more: Huge investments set to 'level up' Bolton's four main districts

The improvements come as neighbouring Farnworth sees large scale regeneration, with a grant of £13.3m having been awarded from the Future High Streets Fund towards a number of development projects.

Kearsley councillor, Tracey Wilkinson, said: “It’s not a town centre as such, I think that was the main aim with the development at Kearsley Precinct.

“People can feel that Kearsley is a bit of a drive through, with not much of a centre, so they identified that area to make Kearsley Precinct.

“The majority of the works began last year, around July and August.”

The newly paved pedestrianised area in the precinct (Image: Tracey Wilkinson)

She continued: “They’ve now retarmacked pedestrianised bit between buildings. The buildings themselves are privately owned.

Read more: Bulldozers set to demolish old precinct as £13 M transformation gets underway

“There were old stone flags, we had lots of complaints over the years about that.

“They’ve resurfaced the car park in addition to that they painted lines, because previously people parked where they wanted.

“The overall appearance has improved massively and people park correctly, not blocking each other in.”

Works underway at the precinct (Image: Tracey Wilkinson)

She added: “A suggestion was put forward about having a zebra crossing across the car park to get over to the other shops.

Read more: Work begins on project to revolutionise Farnworth town centre

“Safety bollards have gone in as well, making it extra safe for pedestrians.”

Cllr Wilkinson also said that she has been informed by council officers that the trees are due to be installed ‘imminently.’

She added: “It’s also positive to see the catalyst effect beginning with private investment from businesses such as Costcutter which  is currently undergoing a full facelift.”