An historic building which has been 'locked up and out of action' for sometime is close to being brought back into community use.
Westhoughton Town Hall has been closed to the public 'for far too long' and now it to receive a cash injection of £4 M.
Cllr Martyn Cox said that the building would serve as a celebration of the town's heritage while providing a valuable space for people to "work, shop and relax" in the town .
And he said the 'look and feel' of the historic civic building would remain.
He told The Bolton News: "The regeneration of Westhoughton Town Hall is a huge opportunity for the town.
"A building that has not seen any significant investment in a generation is being brought to life with a £4 M cash injection.
"The revitalised town hall will include space for the town council, civic activities and SMEs which could include small businesses and not for profit community groups."
Those interested at the moment number around 10, and include a cafe, a cinema, a gym and Greater Manchester Police. These are under consideration apart from the gym, whose occupancy is considered unlikely.
Cllr Cox added: "This investment in a much loved building will preserve the architectural integrity of the building whilst modernising things such as the electrics, heating systems and mechanical installations.
"The building is currently riddled with asbestos and removing it is a priority.
"Although there have been reports of changes to the facade these will not be adopted and the look and feel of the town hall will remain the same.
"The budget for the project is fixed and recent delays and the current rate of inflation simply mean there is less money to spend on the building.
"Investing in our town and district town centres has been a huge priority of the council and we are determined to see Market Street and the Town Hall in Westhoughton as one the most attractive places to work, shop and relax in the town.
"Whilst not everyone will have the same priorities I believe this exciting new project will breathe life into a building that has been locked up and out of action for far too long."
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