Bolton Institute of Medical Sciences passes local economy spend target

When contractors Willmott Dixon started work on the Bolton Institute of Medical Sciences, on the grounds of the Royal Bolton Hospital, they aimed to spend a target of £6 million in the nearby area.

This was intended to boost the local economy, but they have now revealed that more than double that £6 million has already been spent within a 20-mile radius, coming to £12.3 million.

Willmott Dixon managing director in the north Anthony Dillon said: “The Institute is being built for the people of Bolton by the people of Bolton, and we're passionate about working with the University of Bolton and our local supply chain partners to create sustainable employment opportunities and a lasting positive legacy in this community.”

The total £12.3million comes from the money the contractors have spent on creating jobs, including five onsite with 20 in its supply chain, four of which have gone to Bolton College apprentices.

Work underway in April this year (Image: Willmott Dixon)

Around £154,000 has also been spent on social enterprises, like We Are Footprint SE, a recruitment agency that helps being facing significant barriers get back into the workplace.

Willmott Dixon also say that the building site has proved useful to Bolton College T level students, who have been able to get hands on experience.

Over the last year apprentices and other people from nearby have spent a total of 178 weeks onsite.

This includes a student from the University of Bolton, who has now completed a three-month internship on the site over summer.

The £40 million project, originally called the Bolton College of Medical Sciences, was first given the go-head on June 2019 and made possible after receiving £20 million from the first round of levelling up funding from the government.

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Academics at the University of Bolton, a key partner behind the project, say they hope to teach around 3,000 learners every year once the institute is open.

They also hope it will contribute around £150 million to the borough’s economy over the course of its lifetime.

University of Bolton Vice Chancellor Professor George E Holmes said: “The Institute of Medical Sciences represents the best of Bolton and its surrounding areas.

“It is truly delivering on levelling up commitments for Bolton and it’s wonderful to see the local community at the heart of this process.”