THERE is a tendency to hail the St Helena proposals as a much-needed regeneration of a rather neglected area, albeit a valuable parking facility for many years.

Let us examine the impact of the development:

1. The Local Authority is enthusiastic about some £100 million being invested here. But it is not able to determine the success of the project, either in economic or planning terms, nor was it in respect of the Market Hall proposals.

2. It is ironic that one day we are asked to value the diversity of Boltons architectural heritage, but another day we are invited to welcome this development which diminishes a number of properties along Deansgate.

Sweetens bookshop occupies a mid-Victorian building which is worthy of preservation. Also, the business is a valuable asset to Bolton. Greenhalghs, one of Boltons fine bakeries, occupies another building on the row, and does not wish to be disturbed.

3. The question arises - where are the values of Bolton Council? Are they to require that the development accommodates these valuable interests, or are they to be complicit in the developers interests even using compulsory purchase powers?

4. Much as one values the aesthetics of a vista of the Town Hall and part of the Whitakers building, to which my colleague Harold Lindsay referred, the developers might consider some practical issues.

This year we have enjoyed a wonderful summer, but for much of most years the weather is rather inclement. The artists impression of an out-door cafe is rather pretentious. Why not create a colonnade perhaps not as grand as those in Milan, or off Grand Platz in Brussles, but similar to Burlington Arcade in Piccadilly, London, or the Grosvenor in Chester?

5. Since Bolton Council has decided to decimate our grand historical Market Hall in conjunction with Agora, with the intention of attracting high street names, is it likely that there are enough such names to be attracted to both the Market Hall and this St Helena development? If not, how many empty units might we endure?

We live in hope, but at a price!

Brian H Tetlow

Chairman

Bolton & District Civic Trust