Demolition work for a major town centre housing scheme has neared completion.

Bolton-based Forshaw Demolition Limited has begun preparing a site on Manor Street which forms part of the wider Church Wharf regeneration area.

The brownfield land, which was acquired by Bolton Council this year, is being developed after a successful bid to the government’s £1.84m of 'Brownfield Housing Land Fund'.

A multi-million pound new neighbourhood was approved for the area in April of 2019.

The regeneration scheme will be led by Muse Development working in partnership with Bolton Council.

Bolton Council leader, Cllr Martyn Cox, said: “A great deal of planning and preparation has gone into the town centre masterplan, and it is exciting to now see work underway at this site.

The Bolton News: Demolition taking place at Manor Street, next to the River Croal for the Church Wharf developmentDemolition taking place at Manor Street, next to the River Croal for the Church Wharf development

“We expect to see more work starting across other town centres sites soon and residents will be able to see real progress being made.

“I’m delighted that the council is working with Forshaw Demolition Limited on this project, highlighting our commitment not only to investing in the town centre but to backing local businesses.”

Up to 352 could be built on the land in up to nine buildings ranging from two to nine storeys in height. The homes would be a mixture of apartments and town houses according to the developers.

The Bolton News: Demolition taking place off Manor Street for the Church Wharf developmentDemolition taking place off Manor Street for the Church Wharf development

An 80 room hotel is also planned for the site, as well as offices, retail units, food and drink venues and leisure sites.

Improvements to the surrounding roads and a new 'public realm' including 'enhancements within the River Croal, a riverside walk and a new footbridge leading to the site from Bank Street' is also a key part of the development.

Bolton Council’s exec member for regeneration, Cllr Adele Warren, said: “Church Wharf will be an excellent addition to the town centre, creating new homes and jobs on brownfield land.

“This is just one of the many key redevelopment sites as we work to create a more vibrant and prosperous town centre.

The Bolton News: The planned Church Wharf bridgeThe planned Church Wharf bridge

“This sits alongside our plans to rejuvenate and invest in our district centres across the borough.”

Church Wharf is one of six key intervention areas in the Bolton town centre masterplan, with a £100m fund looking to attract private sector investment.

Demolition work on Manor Street is scheduled to be completed in October.

The Bolton News: Demolition taking place off Manor Street for the Church Wharf developmentDemolition taking place off Manor Street for the Church Wharf development