Bolton's billion pound masterplan to regenerate the town centre through housing, modern workplaces and new open areas is also helping local people in to work by developing their employment skills.

For alongside this construction work, Bolton Council’s regeneration programme is also helping to build the skills and employment prospects of local residents.

Among them is Vinny Murray who is working as a labourer and keyholder at Placefirst’s Central Street development.

Build-to-rent provider Placefirst is transforming the brownfield site into a new urban neighbourhood of 167 homes for long-term rent.

The Bolton News: Vinny Murray, Bolton Council Leader Cllr Nick Peel, Nathan Worrall Picture by Paul Heyes, Thursday July 13, 2023.

Placefirst have appointed Caddick Construction as main contractor on the £35m project, which is expected to complete in 2025.

Vinny was previously a customer at The Workshop, a council-run service that helps residents learn new skills and find work.

After being referred to the service by Job Centre Plus, Vinny enrolled on the Restart Scheme and, thanks to the support of council staff, secured his new role at Central Street.

He says he is enjoying the new job and his employer has praised his work ethic, enthusiasm, and the experience he brings to the role.

Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Nick Peel, recently visited Central Street to see how work was progressing.

While there, he spoke to Vinny and also met young apprentice Nathan Worrall who is gaining vital construction skills and experience while working on this key Bolton town centre site.

Cllr Peel said: “Central Street, being delivered by our partner Placefirst, is a great example of how our regeneration masterplan is already bringing investment and jobs into the borough.

“Not only will the finished development be an outstanding asset for the town centre, but the construction phase is providing employment and skills opportunities to workers at different stages in their careers.

“There are now multiple developments underway, each offering chances for Bolton residents to find a new job, learn new skills and help transform our town centre.”

Vinny said: “I would like to thank everyone at The Workshop for their support and for helping to find this opportunity.

“Anyone who is looking to get back into work should talk to their Work Coach about the help that The Workshop can offer.”

Vinny is just one of hundreds of customers who have been supported by The Workshop since it was set up in 2008.

Based at Crompton Place Shopping Centre, the service holds contracts to deliver a range of employability support to help Bolton residents find sustainable employment.

The Restart Scheme provides Universal Credit claimants who have been out of work for more than 9 months with enhanced support to help them to move into work.

Commissioned by the Department of Work and Pensions, The Workshop delivers the Restart Scheme in Bolton on behalf of Ingeus, the prime provider for the Greater Manchester region.

An Employer Engagement Officer also works with businesses of all sizes across Bolton, offering a new way to recruit and reach out to potential employees.

For more information, visit the www.bolton.gov.uk/theworkshopbolton.