A £100 million shopping, homes and arts development in Bolton will bring new life to the entire north western corner of Bolton town centre, it has been said.

Cllr David Wilkinson, executive member for environment at the council, hopes the scheme - which is now being referred to as the St Helena development - will produce a centre of regional significance.

His comments came as the council set out its aims for the development in the area behind the Victoria Hall.

The brief - which has been put out for public consultation - unveils plans for 20,000 sq metres of retail, leisure and office floor space and around 150 apartments.

The council believes the modern architectural design will complement historic buildings such as the Market Hall, the Victoria Hall and the St Helena Mill, the first cotton mill in Bolton from which the development has taken its name.

Town hall bosses hope the River Croal-side development will also attract major high street chains currently not represented in the town and a big name tenant which would draw in other retailers.

Developers also hope to create a new "pedestrian experience" including a new square complete with public art and space for street performers.

Cllr Wilkinson described the development as one of the biggest to take place in Bolton in recent years.

He said: "It's an exciting opportunity for a major, high quality, multi-million pound regeneration of the area.

"I'm pleased we will soon be going forward with a plan to potential developers and investors.

"Hopefully, it will be the first stage of a much larger regeneration of what admittedly is a run down area and will keep Bolton as one of the foremost town centres in the country."

The scheme will also see the biggest renovation of the Grade II listed Victoria Hall since it first opened its doors 104 years ago.

Rev Phil Mason, of the Bolton Methodist Mission which owns the Victoria Hall, said: "This area is quite quiet at night but we hope that will all change by making it a focal point for family entertainment.

"We want to be able to offer people the chance to spend the day shopping and then sticking around for a meal before taking in a concert at the hall."

A copy of the document can be viewed at the Environment Planning Reception at the third floor of Bolton Town Hall and at the council's area offices at Horwich Town Hall, Farnworth Town Hall and Westhoughton Town Hall.

It is also be viewed on the internet at www.bolton.gov.uk