BOLTON is set to be transformed by more than £500 million worth of new developments over the next ten years.

Regeneration bosses say the injection of private and public sector funding will be the biggest investment the borough has ever seen.

It is hoped a number of major schemes will create hundreds of new jobs and boost the local economy.

The figures have led the leader of the council Cllr Barbara Ronson to describe the borough as the "new affluent Bolton".

Keith Davies, director of the council's new regeneration and development department, said Bolton could be set for one of the most exciting periods in its history.

He believes the investment will see the town become a major player in the region, harnessing an international reputation.

The influx of funding will see:

A new £22 million rail and bus interchange created at Trinity Street

The town's Market Hall undergo a £30 revamp

A £50 million magistrates court building erected at the site of the former Water Place swimming pool

A £40 million college for students at Bolton Community College and Bolton Sixth Form, at a soon"to"be decided site in the town centre.

The creation of a £40 million cultural quarter at Le Mans Crescent.

A £45 million programme to improve multi-storey car park facilities

A £100 million shopping, leisure and luxury homes development at Central Street.

In addition to the major schemes, the University of Bolton is also expected to attract £28 million in investment as result of its new university status, and a £2 million pound scheme is in place to restore the Georgian splendour to the Little Bolton area. A series of ambitious smaller developments have also been lined up in the town centre and across the borough.

Mr Davies said: "If you look across the North-west there are very few towns that are undergoing the same level of investment that Bolton is experiencing.

"There is a major feel-good factor in the town following Wanderers' first European campaign and the success of local figures such as Peter Kay, Vernon Kay, Sarah Cox and Mark Radcliffe. We aim to take advantage of this window of opportunity.

"Our role is to develop proposals, work hard to bring them to fruition and ensure they have the maximum impact for the economy and jobs."

Recent developments have seen a number of internationally known developers - including Wilson Bowden, Urban Splash and Charles Topham - invest money in the borough. A major marketing scheme to brand Bolton is also being devised.

Council leader Councillor Barbara Ronson said: "We must make sure that everybody benefits from this new affluent Bolton.

"There will be a massive knock on affect for jobs and services and there are lot more plans in the pipeline."