TOWN centre planning experts will be in Bolton next week to create a long-term strategy to take the town centre into the 21st century.

The Town Centre partnership - a powerful alliance of public and private sector stakeholders in the centre - and the Council are trying make sure Bolton is still one of the top shopping centres in the region once the giant Trafford Centre at Dumplington opens at Christmas 1998. More than 200 people have accepted invitations to the Centre Forward Conference in Bolton town hall on Wednesday when speakers will outline their experiences and workshops will examine various aspects of the town centre ranging from its shops to transport links.

Duncan Sutherland, Director of City Development in Coventry and chairman of the working group of the European Federation of City Centre Associations will launch the conference and will outline some of the lessons Bolton can learn from city centre developments both at home and abroad.

Alan Tallentire, chief executive of the Association of Town Centre Management, will examine the roles of various stakeholders in securing a successful town centre.

Mr John Musso, managing director of The Village, the latest development on the club scene will tell delegates about why he chose Bolton and why the decision worked for his company.

People will also be able to join a town centre walkabout looking at various locations of interest.

Top names are backing the conference including Norweb, Crompton Place Shopping Centre, BCS Security, Land Securities Properties Ltd, THI plc, developers to the Watersmeeting Leisure Project and Adshel Street Furniture.

Town Centre Partnership chairman Mr Arnold Wilcox-Wood described the event as a "must" for representatives of businesses with an interest in Bolton town centre.

He said: "This is probably the most important conference ever delegates who live and work in Bolton to have their input into shaping Bolton's future. They should not miss this once in a lifetime golden opportunity."

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