A TOP-CLASS "master planner" is being sought to lead the drive to create a new cultural quarter in Bolton town centre.

Council bosses say they hope to attract someone with an international reputation.

They have even mentioned the name of avant-garde architect Will Alsop, who has hit the headlines with a series of controversial ideas - including the creation of a super-city stretching from Liverpool to Hull.

Council bosses are being forced to develop new plans to bring about the cultural quarter after the project was snubbed for a second time by the Government.

Ministers have refused to fund a proposed £40 million Private Finance Initiative, leading town hall bosses to set their sights on a bid for money from the Big Lottery Fund in January.

In an attempt to encourage people to see the area around Le Mans Crescent as a cultural area and support the project, a new slogan and symbol has been designed by council bosses and has started appearing on buildings and brochures produced by the council and its partner organisations.

Huge banners have been placed outside Le Mans Crescent bearing the message 'Welcome to your world . . . in the Cultural Quarter, Bolton'.

Councillor Barbara Ronson, leader of the council, said: "It is disappointing not to get this funding but I do not think it will hold us back.

"We are going forward and are hopeful of finding another way of funding the cultural quarter."There are some innovative and imaginative ideas being discussed."

The scheme would be based on world-famous cultural centres such as the Temple Bar area of Dublin and Vienna's museum quarter.

Town hall bosses plan that the Crescent would house a new expanded museum and art gallery, plus a 24-hour futuristic "knowledge centre", with links to local colleges, and an improved library. There may also be pavement cafes and craft areas.