The transformation of an office in the town centre into an 'Innovation Hub' is underway after work started on the site opposite the town hall.
The Wellsprings is set to become a place for start-ups in the creative sector and digital sector to set up in collaborate, cutting-edge surroundings.
Surveys revealed the site was neither airtight nor watertight, and it was beset by problems such as the presence of asbestos.
This suggested £8.5 million of investment from a combination of the government's Towns Fund and UK Shared Prosperity Fund was no longer enough for the work.
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In April, Bolton Council approved an additional £2.85 million of investment from the council's own coffers.
Recently, work started on the site opposite the town hall, with The Bolton News the last to leave the site of what was Barclays Bank last year.
The new leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Nick Peel, said: "The way people work is changing, and The Wellsprings will provide the new and innovative mixed-use space that businesses need.
"We want to incubate new start-ups to create a community of businesses that can exchange ideas, build networks, create opportunities, and build on each other’s success.
"A major part of our regeneration plans is creating new, skilled, well paying jobs and attract more inward investment form the private sector.
"The Wellsprings will help us to achieve this while also boosting footfall and creating new spaces for the public to use."
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David Molyneux, the leader of Wigan Council and the lead for resources and investment on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, said: "The Wellsprings project is a significant step towards creating an inclusive and prosperous environment for innovation and business growth in Bolton.
"It’s a great example of UK Shared Prosperity Fund in action and aligns perfectly with our vision for Greater Manchester as a thriving hub of creativity and entrepreneurship."
Robertson Construction is responsible for the work with support from Clear Futures.
This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.
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