TOWN centre living is tipped to be the latest move for yuppie residents who want to be at the heart of Bolton.

Traditionally "living in Bolton" has mainly meant living on the outskirts of the town centre in areas such as Edgworth, Farnworth and Horwich.

But the opening of new apartments on Clive Street and Great Moor Street means people can have the town on their doorstep- and has already attracted a buyer from Manchester.

The trendy flats are a first for the town centre and are set to attract young professionals into the area.

Similar initiatives in cities, including Manchester and Leeds, have proved popular and attracted businesses, bars and restaurants into previously rundown and neglected areas.

Chris Murtath, aged 26 and his 21-year-old fiance Sian have moved from their rented house on Princess Street in Manchester to the development on Great Moor Street called The Old School Rooms.

Mr Murtath said: "I think using the old school in this way is a fantastic idea. We love the idea of living in the town centre because everything is right on the doorstep. You can get up on a Saturday morning and just walk into town.

"We chose to come to Bolton from Manchester, because it is so expensive to buy a flat in the city with car parking facilities. We have a car parking space next to the apartment here, so it is perfect."

The Old School Rooms used to be the old grammar school, which closed in the early 1970s and later became Bolton Institute's Art and Design department.

The Institute sold the red brick building three years ago as part of a £1.5 million revamp of college premises.

Irwell Valley Housing Association now owns the building which has benefited from major refurbishment.

The development includes 40 apartments with 12 different types but predominantly two bedroom flats ranging in price from £59,950 to £83,000.

The apartments have a chic, ultra-modern feel about them. There is a central atrium and all have fitted kitchens and bathrooms, wooden effect laminate flooring and electric heating.

Apartments will be sold on a shared ownership basis which allows people to part-buy and part-rent with the opportunity to buy the flats after 12 months.

The Clive Street apartments start at £44,212 and are based on 75 per cent shared ownership.

James Brindley, Managing Partner of Halifax estate agents said: "These apartments will help to bring money into the area. Because it is a development agency, the money is not for profit. It will be a boost to Bolton." DEVELOPMENT BOOST: James Brindley, Managing Partner of Halifax estate agents in one of the new apartments in Great Moor Street ULTRA-MODERN: One of the apartment bedrooms and below the central atrium