A MASSIVE overhaul of Bolton town centre is planned to fight back against the competition posed by the Trafford Centre. Areas particularly hit by the new shopping centre in Trafford will be "redesigned" as part of a major five-year plan which intends to increase Bolton's vitality and viability into the new Millennium.

Proposals intend to split the town centre into themed districts - business, residential, shopping, civic, leisure, evening entertainment and mixed developments.

Exciting new plans being considered include:

Earmarking the Central Street area for shopping development

Creating an extended leisure district around The Water Place

Developing a "corridor" of evening entertainment from Bradshawgate to St George's Road

Designing smart new residential districts at Bath Street and Silverwell Street

Improving and enhancing riverside developments by the banks of the River Croal

Cultivating seven green "oases" in the town centre

Residents and shoppers are also being asked to put forward their views.

Cllr Jack Foster, chairman of planning and environment, explained: "How the town centre develops in the next century hinges very much on land use and this is vital to the wider strategy for the town centre.

"We have consulted stakeholders in the centre and others but the views of the public are very important to us. After all, they are the people who use the centre and have helped to make Bolton the fine centre it is today.

"The idea is to have a vision, a solid plan and to go out and seek investment to make it reality. Certain projects are already under discussion with potential developers.

"This plan builds and extends on what we have and creates opportunity for new developments to boost the economy which helps everyone in the borough." Among the council's proposals are designs to create a Continental style "Cafe Society". A document, bearing that name, is being prepared, its aim to encourage, where appropriate, restaurants to place tables and chairs outside in pedestrianised areas.

Seven environmental "green oasis" spots have been designated among proposals. These are at sites within the parish church grounds, the bottom of Churchbank, an area of Rushton Street, Back Cheapside, Crown Plaza (next to the Crown Court) and Howell Croft South. Ideas for sculptures or distinctive features to be created in these areas are also proposed.

Among the other sites particularly earmarked for change include Bollings Yard, where the former Technical College stands, Mawdsley Street, Breightmet Street and Shiffnal Street.

Anyone who would like to see the draft land use proposals can do so at the Planning Reception, Third Floor, Bolton Town Hall, or by writing to Julian Rothwell, Environment Department, Town Hall, Bolton, BL1 1RU.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.