Farnworth market precinct to be transformed into vibrant town centre community

Bolton Council has green lit Manchester-based social impact developers Capital&Centric’s plans to re-boot Farnworth town centre into a thriving neighbourhood.

The council’s Planning Committee has backed the detailed plans to overhaul the market precinct, creating a bustling neighbourhood with new homes, shops, bars, cafes and loads of green, community spaces.

It paves the way for work to start on site later this summer, with hoardings set to be installed in the coming weeks.

The aim of re-booting Farnworth is to usher in a new era of town centre living in Bolton, by bringing a mix of homes with amenities right on the doorstep.

Capital&Centric plan to deliver 85 design-led one and two bedroom apartments, 12 family homes (two and three bedroom), and over 20,000 sq.ft of space for bars, cafes and independent stores.

There will be a community hub on the ground floor of one of the proposed buildings, and a new public square, complete with green spaces and places to meet up.

There are also plans for an events pavilion, set to support outdoor community events from art and live music to makers markets.

Plans also include lush landscaping to introduce greenery to the town centre, and pedestrian links through the community and safe cycle storage.

Located on King Street, the site is a short walk from the train station with easy access into Bolton and Manchester, and on the doorstep of the refurbished bus station, making it an ideal location for commuters.

“This is not only a game-changer for Farnworth but a blueprint for Greater Manchester towns to adopt,” said Adam Higgins, co-founder of Capital&Centric.

“It was a challenge set for us by Bolton.

“We knew whatever we did in Farnworth, we had to redefine the future for generations and think long and hard about the design.

“The approved plans have got elements of our Manchester projects Kampus, Ducie St Warehouse and Crusader Mill in there – all with the same incredible architecture and amenities.

“That’s not easy to deliver, when the average house price in Farnworth is around £144,000, but we’ve taken a long-term view of value creation and that’s unlocked the whole project.

“Our vision is bold, creative and ambitious but we’ve been inspired by the support from the Council, the Towns Fund and GMCA’s innovative brownfield land fund to help us make it happen.”

Gerry Brough, Bolton Council, said: “This is a real vote of confidence in the regeneration of Farnworth and Capital & Centric’s multi-million-pound investment in the district centre.

“We are delighted to support this with our extension and refurbishment of Farnworth Leisure Centre, which was also granted planning permission at the same meeting.

“Both these projects are supported by the Future High Street fund and will help make the centre of Farnworth a more vibrant and prosperous place.”