THE Civic Trust has called for the Crompton Place Shopping Centre and Victoria Square development plans to be greener and more respectful of the town’s architecture.

The plans, which were released by Bolton Regeneration Ltd, show new retail and office buildings replacing Crompton Place and the construction of a new pedestrian avenue running directly from Bradshawgate to the town hall.

Richard Shirres, the trust’s chairman, spoke about images which were made available on Monday by the construction company.

He said: “Prior to receipt of the full application and so only from images made available, the Civic Trust still has concerns with the proposals.

“The development’s facades in Victoria Square should have some architectural echo of that opposite, enshrined in the most magnificent classical order of our Town Hall.

“Secondly, the potential vista of the East to West running avenue that leads into Victoria Square seems not be realised and still looks far too narrow.

“Thirdly, in the face of accelerating, what will become rampant, climate change, this development must be climate resilient; the little expression of green infrastructure suggests otherwise.

“Lastly we note that the sun angles implied in the illustrations do not represent reality.”

As part of the plans, called Bolton Victoria Square, the current Boots site will be transformed into a hotel with the traditional facade maintained.

Shipgate, a historic street between Boots and Crompton Place, will be re-established as a pedestrian walkway.

There is no suggestion in the images of any green spaces being incorporated into the plans.

Mr Shirres added: “We are concerned about the idea of removing immature trees in Victoria Square.

“This development is right in the heart of the town centre so it’s got to be special.

“The Civic Trust will study the full application, once submitted, and will seek to make constructive comment to help benefit councillors.”

The Bolton Victoria Square development is part of Bolton Council’s £1billion masterplan for the town.

Beijing Construction Engineering Group International, part of the Bolton Regeneration Ltd partnership, has been contacted about the trust’s comments, and it will be in touch with its architects and designers to discuss the trust’s concerns.

The planning application is currently available to view on the council’s website.