SEVERAL million pounds could be spent on the redevelopment of a community hub at the site of a former library.

The Bolton News understands that architects are currently drawing up plans for a new multi-function building at the home of the historic Great Lever Library.

The library in Bradford Road had to be demolished after it was gutted by a fire in October last year.

Prior to that, the vacant building was blighted by anti-social behaviour and suffered from high levels of crime, including vandalism and arson. A rocket was even aimed through its roof during last year's Bonfire Night celebrations.

At the Great Lever area forum tonight, councillors announced that the development was “definitely going ahead” and shared their vision for it to be used by dozens of community groups.

Cllr Madeline Murray, who chaired the meeting, said: "We have worked really hard to ensure the community gets a replacement building and we are really glad the council leader has let us use this site.

"We have been told we will get this building. The leader had assured us this will definitely go ahead."

It is intended that Bolton Council will run the centre in partnership with Great Lever Connected (GLC), a coalition of local voluntary groups that currently operate from a premises in Calvert Road.

GLC member Wendy Handley said: “This building is going to be absolutely fantastic.

“We are so excited. We will be able to do so much more with the space.

“At the moment we are very limited in what we can do because the property is so small.”

A consultation was undertaken last summer to gather ideas from residents about how the space is used.

Suggestions for new groups include yoga, karate and youth clubs as well as using the building for office space, a cafe and library.

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal said: "It is fantastic news that we will have a new hub in Great Lever.

“The community was left without anywhere to meet. The space they are currently using is not fit for purpose. This will give the voluntary sector a space to operate from.

"In this time of austerity it is really brilliant to get funding for a project like this.”