The multi-million pound redevelopment of Crompton Place Shopping Centre will not start until 2024 at the earliest, the council has said, as negotiations continue to relocate the remaining business - and the search for a developer continues.
Bolton Council has issued an update on the £175m plans to demolish the shopping centre and create a new state of the art retail and leisure destination stating there will be an 18 month delay.
The council bought Crompton Place Shopping Centre in 2018 and unveiled ambitious plans to develop it, with the plans forming a key part of the £1bn town centre masterplan.
However, the project has suffered a number of delays - mainly due to on-going negotiations between tenants.
Now council officers have made the decision to focus on the multi-million pound transformation of the library by relocating services in Crompton Place while work takes place.
Under plans for Crompton Place, the current shopping centre will be demolished, with 46 new retail units created, a 300-space car park, offices and more than 180 homes.
A new developer for the scheme is set to be announced in the near future after changing circumstances led the council to reach a mutual agreement with previous developers to surrender options agreements on the redevelopment scheme.
The centre site also missed out on funding from the Government’s levelling up bid.
A spokesperson for Bolton Council said:“The start date for the redevelopment of Crompton Place has always been dependent on reaching agreements with all 77 unit owners and leaseholders in the shopping centre.
“While we have now reached agreements on almost all units, it is not yet known when the final vacant possession agreements will be concluded.
“As a result, we have agreed to move library services into Crompton Place for approximately 18 months, whilst the Central Library and Aquarium undergo a £3.7m refurbishment.
“This will delay development by 18 months, but we remain committed to delivering this project at the earliest possible opportunity.
“Closing Crompton Place, and reducing town centre retail space, is a key element of our regeneration plans. This reflects the impact of the shift in consumer habits that accelerated during the pandemic.
“But Crompton Place is just one of eight major developments that Bolton Council is currently delivering in the town centre.
“Of these, one is already under construction, and two are expected to start within the next 3 months. Pending planning permission, a further three aim to start construction in the first quarter of 2023.”
Developments include building homes on Moor Lane, the site of the old bus station, and Central Street.
The spokesman added: “Discussions are ongoing with a number of developers and the council is currently considering a number of options relating to the planned redevelopment of Crompton Place.”
Businesses which have relocated with the support of Bolton Council include TSB bank to new premises in Deansgate.
The branch joins the Specsavers, Clothing store Blue Inc and renowned Jewellers Beaverbrooks in relocating from the shopping centre.
Big names, including Primark and Boots continue to operate from the shopping centre.
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