Major investment in new lighting in Bolton town centre

This comes with Bolton Council set to sign off a combined total of more than £1m for both lighting and new signage around Victoria Square, the town hall and other areas.

Officials hope that this will make the town safer and more welcoming as darkness descends.

Council leader Cllr Nick Peel said: “It’s for some of the dark spots and shadowy areas that have made people feel unsafe.”

He added: “This includes better lighting, not just run of the mill street lighting but also more light from buildings that will help light up the areas around them.

Lighting is set to be improved around town hall (Image: Bolton Council)

“There’s also the Wayfinder Strategy which will be about improving signage.”

Lighting up the town centre has long been a point of debate.

In October 2022 the then council leader Cllr Martyn Cox told town hall that the authority was preparing a funding bid for this purpose.

Now, according to the report put before Bolton Council the Wayfinder Scheme have a total budget of around £450,000 from both the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Towns Fund.

This will be used to install digital and non-digital “totems” similar to those near McDonald's on Knowsley Street and Caffe Nero on Deansgate, along with directional fingerposts.

The council report said: “The purpose of the wayfinding strategy is to improve the visitor experience of Bolton town centre by making the town centre more legible and accessible giving everyone clear directional signage.

“Place marking the town centre’s key attractions and services and making the town centre user friendly and easier to find the quickest and mist direct routes across the town centre for all users, also supporting visitor retention through provision of information to extend visits.”

A range of locations across the town centre are being considered for the new totems including Bradshawgate, Deansgate, Moor Lane, Deane Road and elsewhere.

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As well as the totems, around £600,000 in funding has been allocated for the lighting proposals which will be used to better light the streets around the town centre.

In particular the report has identified Victoria Square and Le Mans Crescent as two areas were people believe lighting can be improved during twilight hours.

The council report said: “Together, the projects have the potential to improve health by promoting active travel and bring commercial benefits by encouraging exploration, improving the visitor experience and thereby encouraging visitors to return.”

Bolton Council’s cabinet is expected to meet to discuss the proposals at town hall on Monday, September 9.