Bolton town centre's food court will open to the public today.

The market food hall will serve up everything from gourmet burgers to Japanese food and marks a milestone in the transformation of the town centre.

Its completion comes after the development of Elizabeth Park in the town, with the new green space occupying the site of the former Odeon cinema and opposite the food hall.

Visitors can enjoy Japanese, Caribbean, Indian, Italian, deserts and more, including drinks from the new gin bar from The Bolton Gin Company, named Chill.

The venue will also be showing sports on its screens, televising the upcoming UEFA European Football Championships.

Open later on Fridays and Saturdays, the new food hall is designed to complement the town’s night-time economy, with musicians and entertainment planned.

Offering space for up to 200 people, there is both indoor and outdoor seating available, with 160 seats available outside, utilising the Bolton Market space.

The developments were funded through the government’s Towns Fund, with the new food hall build being part of a wider £5.9m transformation for Bolton Market.

Read more: First look inside Wellsprings Innovation Hub

The big plans that could change the face of Bolton in 2024 and beyond

Bolton Masterplan: Council to tempt investors into town centre

Jon Dyson, Director of Place at Bolton Council, said:“We’re excited to offer even more variety to the town, after more than 70 food and drink traders toured the premises, expressing interest.

“The final selection was based on individual business cases and how we could provide a variety of options for customers.

“With the new Wellsprings set to open later in the year, as well as Bolton being a popular place to work and study, this new venue will offer more dining choices for lunchtime breaks, as well as being a great addition to the town’s weekend hospitality scene, offering live music, entertainment, and sports on screens.”

“And with the latest opening of the new Elizabeth Park just across the Bolton Market, that will be running a programme of events, the new Food Hall will be a popular destination for families, students, workers, and visitors of all ages.”

The new food hall’s opening days are:

Tuesday, 11am – 5.00pm

Thursday, 11am – 5.00pm

Friday, 11am – 9.30pm

Saturday, 11am – 9.30pm

Sunday, noon – 6.00pm