A MULTI-MILLION pound transformation of the Water Place could turn Bolton into the fun capital of the North-west ... and create 200 new jobs.

Plans are being made to re-vamp the swim centre and create a whole new family entertainments complex on Great Moor Street.

The project - known as Water Place 2000 - would include another cinema - Bolton's third - and a hotel.

In addition, there would be restaurants, bars, a mini bowling alley, a family-themed pub and health and fitness centre.

Council leisure chiefs are in talks with Leicester-based Helical Retail who built the Boltongate shopping centre.

They have been chosen as the "preferred developer" from more than 60 firms which expressed interest.

They are now in negotiations to finalise a formal development agreement.

Bolton Council has set aside £40,000 for a feasibility study into the whole project.

The scheme is likely to revitalise the whole of the Great Moor Street area, creating a "family quarter" of Bolton town centre.

The Water Place was opened by the Queen in 1988, but it is now in need of a major re-vamp.

Mr Paul Horner, North-west Development Director for Helical Retail said: "It is a rare opportunity. He added: "We were chosen from a shortlist after presenting our ideas based on the council brief and our proposals now include a new look for the Water Place which will form the centrepiece of a new 21st century mixed family and leisure zone.

"At Helical, we really feel we have developed a good understanding of the needs of the town through previous developments."

It would be the third major job creation scheme Helical has been involved in. The Boltongate Retail Park has created 250 jobs and the B&Q store which will be built nearby will create another 200 jobs. Mr Horner added: "Now this latest project is likely to create another 200 jobs and we are looking forward to working closely with the council again to bring greater vitality to the town centre." The Water Place would also be Bolton's third entertainments complex to be built in the last few years. Middlebrook is now established as a major leisure attraction with thousands of visitors flocking there at weekends to the Warner Village 12-screen cinema, the Hollywood Bowl, shops, restaurants and The Reebok Stadium. A £14 million tennis centre is also being built.

The Valley complex, which opened last year, has the 15-screen Virgin Megaplex cinema and Atlantis nightclub along with restaurants.

Cllr Gerry Riley, chairman of Bolton's leisure services committee, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for The Water Place, the town centre and the whole borough.

"After a major, national search, we now have on board a quality developer with an excellent track record.

"Together, Helical and Bolton Metro will bring about new investment, new jobs and a complimentary development to our town centre. "This is an exciting time for all of us and we will achieve a remodelled Water Place for the 21st century."

He added that he thought the cinema would be successful.

He said: "It is close to the bus station and the railway station and would be ideal for people who cannot get to the other two by car."

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