BOLTON has said farewell to one of its landmarks with the demolition of Silverwell Street Sports Centre. Work on the site is now finished, paving the way for a pioneering town centre housing scheme. The listed Silverwell House will be converted into office developments and the rest of the site is earmarked for 24 flats for rent and 18 for sale.

Portico Housing Association was given the go-ahead to build the flats in January as part of Bolton Council's strategy of encouraging people to live in the town centre.

Work on the £2 million to £2.75 million project is expected to last between 12 and 15 months.

There was a massive public outcry when it closed in autumn 1995.

Initially, council chiefs were hoping it would be a prime site for commercial development.

They expected the sale to meet the council's share of the £1.8 million Excel sports centre at Bolton College, Manchester Road.

Earlier offers for housing were turned down.

But council chiefs were disappointed that they have not been able to attract the investment expected.

A scheme for an information technology centre or "cybercafe" never materialised.

There was uproar when another plan was put forward for a car park.

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