Wellsprings Centre, Bolton, opens doors after revamp

The former home of The Bolton News, just opposite the town hall has been remodelled into an innovation hub for new start-up businesses.

Work began in July last year backed by £6.9m from the Towns Fund and a further £1.4m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and now the new hub has hosted its first networking event.

Bolton Council leader Cllr Nick Peel said: “The completed renovation of The Wellsprings is another major milestone as momentum continues to build behind Bolton’s ongoing regeneration.

“Everything about our town centres is changing, from the way we work to the way we shop, but our regeneration masterplan means we are well placed to take advantage of these new opportunities. 

Work is now finished on the project (Image: Paul Heyes)

“The council’s direct intervention at The Wellsprings has transformed a dated and underused office block into a dynamic new workspace, that will encourage business leaders and entrepreneurs to make their home in Bolton.”

Now that work, carried out by Robertson Construction North West, and Bolton Council’s strategic partner Clear Futures, has finished the hub can now be used by businesses.

Council officials say that entrepreneurs and businesses can apply to use the office spaces, which also had a co-working space and meeting rooms, call pods, bike storage and kitchen facilities.

Cllr Zaman inside the refurbished building (Image: Paul Heyes)

The Wellsprings centre will also offer coaching and support to businesses who use the space, with a calendar of networking events and workshops.

Wellsprings centre manager Nick Brushett said: “With its fantastic transport links, blossoming culture, ongoing regeneration and remarkable history, Bolton offers so much to so many.

“Now, with the completion of The Wellsprings, we can offer new business owners the perfect place from which to grow their business, making Bolton the home of their company.

The building includes shared spaces (Image: Paul Heyes)

“The Wellsprings has been designed and delivered to offer connectivity, collaboration and a constructive support system to enable businesses to thrive, with on-hand support from our team of experts.

“The additional support of Oxford Innovation Space, with its expertise in running successful innovation centres across the country, bolsters this offering even more.

“Now, thanks to the unwavering efforts of Robertson Construction and Clear Futures, Bolton has an innovation space to shout about, and we can’t wait to see who comes through our doors.”

The building has been fully refurbished (Image: Paul Heyes)

The first networking event was held on Tuesday September 24 with a business breakfast focused on the regeneration of the town centre.

These projects include the renovated Central Library with the new Bolton Market Food Hall and Elizabeth Park.

There have also been the developments on Moor Lane and Deansgate Gardens, which are nearing completion.

The Wellsprings has already hosted its first networking event (Image: Paul Heyes)

Council deputy leader Cllr Akhtar Zaman said: “Bolton has a strong economy particularly in sectors like manufacturing and logistics, with many of the UK’s biggest names based right here

“But we also want to be a place that attracts new ideas and new businesses, and modern, flexible and high-tech spaces like The Wellsprings will help us do just that.

“This will be a space where start-ups can exchange ideas, build networks, create opportunities, and build on each other’s success.”

The building is now up and running (Image: Paul Heyes)

The Wellsprings will now be managed by Oxford Innovation Space on behalf of Bolton Council.

The company already manages more than 30 other similar spaces around the country.

Clear Futures Bolton partnership director Keith Edwards said: “Bolton Council recognises the importance of regenerating and transforming existing spaces to fuel local growth.

Businesses can now express their interest in working in the space (Image: Paul Heyes)

“We’ve seen this first-hand with Central Library, Bolton Markets, Farnworth Leisure Centre and the Jubilee Community Centre, and will now see it with The Wellsprings. 

“With the sustainable solutions Clear Futures can offer, we can address local priorities and identify new opportunities to champion real change.”

Construction company Robertson says it hopes that the project will also leave a last legacy which included employing 16 people and hosting students for work experience.

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Regional managing director Dirk Pittaway said: “It’s a pleasure to continue supporting Bolton Council’s Town Centre Masterplan, making their vision a reality.

“This high-quality regeneration project is a welcome addition to Bolton, providing an inspiring space for innovation and growth that will enhance the town for years to come.

“Throughout construction, we invested locally by creating jobs and engaging a local supply chain.

“This means that The Wellsprings was delivering socio-economic benefits, even before it opened.”

Businesses interested in using office space, meeting rooms or co-working space at the Wellsprings can email enquiries@wellspringsbolton.co.uk or call 07523 803174.