Some of the earliest footage has been shared of one of Bolton’s biggest developments in recent years.

Work is currently being undertaken on the Bolton College of Medical Sciences (BCMS) on the site of Royal Bolton Hospital on Minerva Road, Farnworth.

Construction specialists Willmott Dixon have now released video footage showing how far work has progressed.

A BCMC statement said: “Thank you to Willmott Dixon for capturing some amazing footage of the Bolton College of Medical Sciences site.

“Looking forward to the next phase of the build now that the frame is complete!”

The medical college is a collaboration between the University of Bolton, Bolton College, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and Bolton Council made possible thanks to £20m of “levelling up” funding from the government.

The Bolton News: An artist's impression of the finished medical collegeAn artist's impression of the finished medical college (Image: BCMS)

Planning permission was granted last June and since then construction works have been putting the facility in place.

Developers have pledged that while the building is underway, extra additional parking will be provided for hospital staff, replacing those spaces that will be displaced by work on the site.

In total, the partners behind the project expect to create and additional 250 parking spaces.

Once completed, the college is expected to train 3000 students a year and contribute as much as £150m to the borough’s economy, according to project director Mark O’Reilly.

It will aim to provide a range of courses and training opportunities for medical students including nursing apprenticeships and higher apprenticeships in care leadership and management giving people in Bolton and beyond a route into careers with the healthcare sector.

Speaking when work began last Autumn, University of Bolton Vice Chancellor Professor George E Holmes said that the project was one of the most important the region had seen in many years.

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He said: “BCMS is arguably one of the most significant projects delivered in the North West in decades.

“Not only will it increase employment prospects in the local area and make healthcare professions more accessible, but it will also help alleviate NHS staffing pressures in Greater Manchester and provide improved levels of care in our community.

“It’s brilliant to see the build underway.”

The Bolton College of Medical Sciences is expected to open its doors in September 2024.