PLANS for a new £2 million sports and exhibition centre were unveiled at Bolton College today. The development at the college on Manchester Road is being hailed as the first scheme of its type in the country. It will also be used as a major training centre for students on leisure management and tourism courses. Bolton Council and Bolton College have developed the scheme as a joint project to replace Silverwell Street sports centre and have shared the cost.

Little Hulton firm G and J Seddon was today named as the building contractor.

The firm employs 450 local people and they have 47 apprentices who attend the college and may have work experience on the scheme.

A spokesman said that they would be starting work on the site next month.

It is hoped it will be completed by August 31 next year.

The new centre will include a major exhibition hall, squash courts, a sports hall, a cafe, bar, a stage area and a childcare centre.

There will be an extended car park with spaces for up to 200 cars and direct access to the exhibition hall.

As reported in the BEN on Monday, the centre in Silverwell Street closed on Sunday.

The move has been highly controversial, especially among people who used the hall as a venue for exhibitions.

On Monday, Alan Whitehead, organiser of the town's traditional flea market and classic bikes show, accused Bolton Council of "betraying" local people by closing the centre.

It means there is no town centre sports centre facility until the new one opens at Bolton College.

Silverwell Street is currently up for sale and it is likely to be demolished and the site sold off for commercial use.

Council chiefs have had valuations of between £500,000 and £1 million.

Cllr Bob Howarth, Bolton Council leader said: "We have had offers, but they have not been enough.

"The recession has hit the sale of sites like this, but we will just have to wait and see."

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