More than 1,400 businesses were opened in Bolton over the last year as plans to “repurpose” the town centre continue apace.

Figures show that as many as 1,450 firms were opened all over the borough of Bolton in 2023, compared to 1,400 that had closed.

In recent months branches including Five Guys and Skechers opened in Middlebrook and a new cafe opened in Bolton Library and Museum.

With much anticipated works set to start up around the former Crompton Place shopping centre town hall leaders hope this points the way to the wider regeneration of the area.

Council leader Cllr Nick Peel said: “Obviously having businesses start up across the borough is good for our economy, that’s what its all about, creating job for local people.

“Bolton town centre is a big part of that and its fair to say that its struggled over recent years.

The demolition of Crompton Place is key to wider efforts to regenerate the townThe demolition of Crompton Place is key to wider efforts to regenerate the town (Image: Newsquest)

“But other district centres are thriving, which is why we’re repurposing the town centre so it's much more of a mix of hospitality, leisure and office facilities.”

The Office for National Statistics found that the 1,450 new businesses to have opened in Bolton in 2023 was down from 1,535 the year before.

But the 1,400 firms to have closed was down significantly from the 1,965 to have closed in 2022.

This also meant that while in 2022 430 more businesses had closed than opened, by 2023 50 more had opened than shut.

The plans to redevelop Crompton Place, which are expected to start with demolition of the old building next spring, are part of efforts to encourage more people and businesses into the town.

Bolton Council expects to see around 5,000 more people move into the town centre over the coming years as housing developments come to fruition.

These have included schemes to build new homes around the Moor Lane, Deansgate Gardens and Church Wharf. 

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Deputy leader Cllr Akhtar Zaman told an investors meeting in September this year that is turn is aimed at creating a bigger customer base for restaurants, cafes and other hospitality businesses.

Cllr Peel drew the comparison with Westhoughton town centre, which has seen a number of new businesses open in recent years.

He said: “Westhoughton has seen a big growth in population in recent years, people may agree with it or disagree with it but that is a fact.

“So, we’ve seen the hospitality sector there grow to meet that demand so that is precisely the economic model for Bolton town centre.”