Ambitious plans to redevelop an 'outmoded' shopping centre are to be submitted, and residents can have their say.
The Walkden Town Centre shopping area is set to undergo a significant redevelopment by its owner, The Derwent Group, under plans put forward.
The property company aims to invest £15m of funding into the area, proposing the demolition of Egerton Walk and Victoria Square and the building of a new façade, including modern retail units.
As well as the demolition, "temporary green spaces" will be formed in place of the existing demolition zones.
The Derwent Group says those spaces will create a "flexible venue" for outdoor events.
A consultation into the plans can be seen on Walkden Town Centre's website, with an option to provide comments and feedback on the potential redevelopment.
Alternatively, the plans for the new centre can be seen on Friday, October 6 at the Link Mall, next to Specscart, from 10am-1pm and from 3pm-6pm. Feedback can be given in person as well.
The opportunity to provide comments and feedback will close at midnight on Sunday, October 8.
The Derwent Group plan to finalise community engagement this month, and to then submit the planning application midway through the month.
They then expect the planning determination in February next year.
It says its objective is to "create a sustainable retail environment" which will support tenant success while reducing maintenance and operational costs.
MP for Bolton South East, Yasmin Qureshi, said: "The plans look very promising and will bring the old section of the centre up to date.
"I understand a public consultation is underway in the Link Mall, running until Friday, October 6.
"I encourage everyone to engage with it and I look forward to seeing the full plans submitted towards the end of the year."
This comes as a new branch of The Range is set to open at Ellesmere Shopping Centre, which is adjacent to Walkden Town Centre.
The shop is set to open on November 24, taking up three empty units between M&S Foodhall and Pets at Home.
To view the consultation online, visit: https://walkdentowncentre.co.uk/development/
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