Bolton: Plan to transform vacant Bar Metro on Bradshawgate

The Bar Metro site, on Bradshawgate, has been empty and in need of refurbishment since the bar closed in 2018, but has been home to several flats on the upper floors on the building.

Developers hope that they will be able to take advantage of a rise in demand for new kinds of investment in the town centre.

A statement from RA Design and Project Management said: “The area is an exciting, up-and-coming part of town where there has been significant investment from both Bolton Council and the private sector, with more developments in the pipeline.

Developers aim to turn the ex-pub into a commercial unit (Image: RA Design & Project Management Ltd)

“This highly sustainable location makes the proposal appropriate for the site.”

It added: “Whilst the building has been found to be difficult to let and is in need of severe renovation, there does appear to be an anticipated upturn in demand following town centre investment by both the private sector and Bolton Council.

“Despite the current cost of living crisis, the applicant is prepared to invest significantly in the building which is clearly to be welcomed.

“The town centre location means that there is a wealth of local services and amenities for tenants, including the university, cinemas, pubs, clubs, restaurants, shops, offices, leisure activities, health facilities and excellent new transport links.”

The plan comes amid other projects aimed at redeveloping Bradshawgate (Image: RA Design & Project Management Ltd)

If approved, the plans will see the space converted into a ‘Class E’ commercial unit, meaning that it could become a shop, restaurant or café, office, or other business facility.

The developers are planning to refurbish and convert the ground floor, but have said there are no plans for any external changes to the building.

The site was previously home to Bar Metro, which closed in 2018 (Image: Newquest)

Bar Metro, which first opened in 2015, had closed in July 2018 due to a ‘combination of factors’, including a burglary in which the public address system was stolen.

The bar had not been making enough money to pay rent and its management had decided it would not be economical to reopen again.

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There are also no changes proposed to the upper floors, which are residential.

The plan for the new business will come alongside various other schemes along Bradshawgate, most notably the £44million ‘Gateway to Bolton’ development which was approved last February and will encompass 269 new homes including a 16 storey tower block.

The proposal for the vacant pub conversion was put before Bolton Council earlier in December and will be open for neighbourhood consultations until Friday January 13.