2 weeks Ago
Several developers are now interested in getting an empty historic building in the middle of Bolton back into use, town hall has heard. The former Nationwide bank building on the corner of Newport Street has been empty since bookmakers shut down several years ago. Earlier this week, Bolton Council’s cabinet gathered to consider an agreement to take back control of the building to help redevelop it, with a restaurant touted as a possibility.
Council deputy leader Cllr Akhtar Zaman said: “This is an important decision for us in regard to our assets in the town centre. “We have already done so in a similar way with the M&S building and officers have been working hard to get the building back into the market. The cabinet meeting was held at Bolton Town Hall (Image: Newsquest) “I understand there are now a number of developers interested in getting this building back into use.
” A council report said that the Grade II listed building can trace its history back to the 1820s and will now need a range of works to bring it back up to standard. These will include roof works, window repairs, masonry cleaning and damp removal. The report said that colliers estimated that the total cost for immediate works would be £231,661.
90 with “optional works” that it also recommended set to cost another £64,437.76. But part of this would be paid for by Nationwide as part of a lump-sum payment in return for being allowed to end their lease early.
The council leadership had gathered to decide what to do with the building at a meeting that also discussed plans to demolish and redevelop Crompton Place shopping centre. Council deputy director of planning and regeneration Paul Whittingham told the meeting it was right that both were considered together. ALSO READ: The 200-year-old building to be brought back to use in town centre ALSO READ: Update on building to be brought back to use in town centre ALSO READ: 'Clear pathway' put forward to demolish town centre shopping centre He said that both would be key to redeveloping the wider town centre.
Mr Whittingham said: “This corner does represent a good opportunity as people are coming down Newport Street, coming into Victoria Square to provide the activity to bring this important building back into use.” He said that there could be various opportunities to be had from the building, including possibly opening a new restaurant and that it would show the council was serious about regeneration. Mr Whittingham said: “It’s only good for Bolton if we go out and do something.
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