THE £30 million revamp of Bolton's Market Hall has been given the final go-ahead.
Bolton Council has given Warner Estates permission to start the redevelopment of the Market Hall, Knowsley Street, despite strong opposition from traders and shoppers.
Planning approval for the scheme was given in March and now the council, as landlord of the Market Hall, has agreed that the scheme can start.
The Grade II listed building will be transformed into a modern mall with the building of a new glass fronted extension on Bridge Street and the creation of shop units, replacing traditional stalls within the Market Hall. The number of stalls will be cut from 70 to 25.
Developers say the refurbishment will enhance and preserve the listed building for future generations. They also say it will help to maintain Bolton's standing as a healthy and vibrant shopping area.
Market Hall stallholders accused developers of not giving them a fair hearing at the planning meeting in March. A total of 80,402 people signed a petition opposing the scheme.
Members of Bolton Market Hall Traders' Association (BMHTA) have even lobbied the Queen, taking advantage of an obscure law, dating from 1628. This calls on the head of state to protect "a way of life valued by her subjects" and accuses Bolton Council of a conflict of interest in approving the development.
The Market Hall was last fully refurbished in the mid 1980s as part of the Market Place development. Development of the hall is to be completed in 2008, when the council will surrender its lease of the building and the car park.
Councillor Barbara Ronson, Bolton, council leader and executive member for corporate resources, said: "We believe that this is the best way forward for the Market Hall. Doing nothing was not an option.
"We continually face increasing competition, and are determined the Market Hall will continue to attract shoppers by providing top quality goods and facilities."
Trader Richard Wood of Equinox Solarium, whose father David is chairman of the BMHTA, said: "It's a terrible scheme.
"Some people are becoming resigned to the fact that this will go ahead but equally some will continue to fight."
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