Work to clear the town centre site will support apprenticeships and inject £1m into the local economy...
Plans to demolish Crompton Place are set to mark a significant step in Bolton’s wider regeneration strategy, with the work expected to create apprenticeships and generate more than £1m in local spend.
The shopping centre, once a key retail hub in the town, will be cleared to make way for a major redevelopment scheme that Bolton Council says will reshape the town centre and drive long-term economic growth. Planning permission for the demolition of Crompton Place was secured in August last year and the work is currently scheduled for completion in Spring / Summer 2027.
Demolition is due to be carried out by local contractor Forshaw, with a focus on delivering social value alongside the physical transformation of the site. This includes the creation of apprenticeship opportunities and a commitment to using local suppliers wherever possible, ensuring that investment is retained within the Bolton economy.
Once the site is cleared, the area will be developed by the council’s new partner MEPC, the specialist development arm of Federated Hermes.
The company is behind some of the UK’s biggest urban regeneration projects including NOMA in Manchester, Wellington Place in Leeds and Paradise in Birmingham.
Bolton Council said the project is expected to support jobs during the demolition phase while also providing training opportunities for local people looking to enter the construction industry.
Councillor Martyn Cox, leader of Bolton Council, said: “This is another important milestone in our plans to regenerate Bolton town centre and create new opportunities for our residents. The demolition of Crompton Place will not only pave the way for an exciting new development but will also bring real benefits in terms of jobs, skills, and investment for the local community.”
Councillor Nick Peel, executive cabinet member for regeneration, added: “This is a key moment for Bolton town centre. As well as unlocking the future redevelopment of the site, this work will create valuable apprenticeship opportunities and ensure local businesses benefit from the investment being made here.”
The move follows the recent appointment of development partners for the Crompton Place site, with plans centred around a mixed-use scheme that could include retail, leisure, residential and public space. The long-term ambition is to create a more diverse and sustainable town centre, moving away from traditional retail reliance.
Crompton Place has seen declining footfall in recent years, reflecting broader challenges facing high streets across the UK. Its redevelopment is seen as a cornerstone of Bolton’s efforts to adapt to changing consumer habits and revitalise the area.
As demolition progresses, the council says it will continue working with partners to finalise plans for the future of the site, with further details expected as the regeneration scheme develops.
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