NEW jobs and more business are coming to Bolton - with the arrival of a major new tenant at St Peter's Business Park.

The North British Housing Association has moved into one of the largest units at the City Challenge-backed park, creating jobs for local people.

The new centre will be the Association's South Lancashire Area office, serving housing needs in Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside and Wigan.

NHBA is one of the country's leading housing associations. Founded in 1965, it now manages more than 41,000 homes from Newcastle to the Isle of Wight.

The association is a major developer of new homes for people in housing need with over 4,000 in the pipeline last month. It is currently completing around 50 new homes each week.

NHBA is also a founder member of Bolton Community Homes Ltd, a joint venture with Bolton MBC in addressing housing need.

"As one of the main providers of housing in the area, we chose St Peter's and Bolton not only because it gives our staff easy access to the towns we are serving, but also because it is easy for local people to visit us," said Tony Berry, Regional Manager of NBHA.

Councillor Bob Howarth, Chairman of Bolton City Challenge, said he was delighted the unit had been let to the Association.

"It's heartwarming for us to see a quality company moving here bringing jobs and opportunities to the City Challenge area," said Cllr Howarth.

"It is also pleasing to see a speculative office development being taken up so quickly. It proves that the City Challenge policy of providing high quality offices does attract oppor- tunity."

St Peter's Business Park has attracted a wealth of different companies, large and small, while family baker Warburtons is currently building its new head office in the area.

Further developments are underway at The Valley with new offices and industrial space being completed shortly.

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