Bolton Council has officially appointed MEPC, the renowned developer behind Manchester's NOMA district, to spearhead the ambitious £200 million regeneration of the former Crompton Place shopping centre. This decision marks a pivotal step in transforming a key town centre site that has stood largely vacant since its closure.
A Transformational Vision for Bolton
The council, which acquired the Crompton Place complex for approximately £15 million in 2018, has selected MEPC following a rigorous and highly competitive procurement process. The developer is now set to progress plans to convert the 1.55-hectare site—an area larger than two football pitches—into a vibrant, mixed-use quarter.
Scale and Ambition of the Development
Once the existing structure is demolished later this year, the cleared area will become one of the largest inner-town development spaces in Britain. The proposed scheme includes capacity for up to 340 new homes, a hotel, 80,000 square feet of premium office space, and 5,000 square feet of ground-floor leisure amenities.
The site, which served as the commercial heart of Bolton for over five decades, faces the town's iconic Victorian town hall and the historic Le Mans Crescent. The redevelopment aims to create a more attractive and functional urban environment, better connecting key parts of the town centre.
Enhancing Connectivity and Interim Use
A significant aspect of the plan involves improving pedestrian access. A new footpath, bounded by hoardings, will be established through the site, providing a direct link between Victoria Square and Bradshawgate for the first time in decades.
Furthermore, the council has indicated that a portion of the site will be designated for 'meanwhile use'—a temporary function that could last around seven years while the broader redevelopment proceeds behind the scenes. This approach ensures the land contributes to the town's vitality during the construction phase.
Council and Developer Perspectives
At a recent planning meeting where the proposals were approved, Council Leader Nick Peel emphasised the project's significance, stating, 'None of us can underestimate how massive this application is for Bolton town centre.'
Following the cabinet's decision to appoint MEPC, Councillor Peel expressed his delight, noting, 'This developer has a very impressive track record of delivering major multi-million-pound developments in some of the UK's biggest cities.'
MEPC describes itself as an 'imaginative developer that provides dynamic long-term stewardship and the creation of transformational places with the future in mind.' Its portfolio includes the 20-acre NOMA development in Manchester, as well as Wellington Place in Leeds, Milton Park in Oxford, and the Paradise scheme in Birmingham.
Next Steps for the Project
The appointment is now subject to an eight-day legal 'stand still' period, after which more detailed plans for the Crompton Place regeneration are expected to be unveiled. The council has been in discussions with several potential developers interested in taking on the 'oven ready' cleared site, with MEPC ultimately being chosen to lead this flagship town centre renewal initiative.
