Winter Hey Lane - Consultations

Have your say on improvements to Winter Hey Lane, Horwich

Background to proposal - Horwich Master Plan

Following local consultation, a masterplan was devised in 2020 for Horwich to guide long-term regeneration. The masterplan identifies key challenges and opportunities and outlines six key development proposals (KDPs).

In 2019, a £16m budget was approved to support the delivery of town centre masterplans for Farnworth, Westhoughton, Horwich and Little Lever. BDP were appointed to develop a masterplan and several Key Development Proposals (KDPs) for Horwich. The masterplan aims to reflect the Bolton Vision 2030 where Horwich is a vibrant place, built on strong cohesive communities, successful business and healthy residents.

In the masterplan, six KDPs were outlined, including a proposal to remodel ‘the Lanes’. Since the launch of the Horwich Masterplan, a Health Hub has been created, Hampson Street has been refurbished, and the Old Station Park has undergone improvements. This consultation forms a part of the next phase of the masterplan: investing in the Lanes.

Bolton Council is proposing to make improvements along Winter Hey Lane for pedestrians, cyclists and businesses for the next phase of the masterplan. The changes would include wider footways, resurfacing, more cycle parking and new crossings on the side roads.

Previous public consultation in 2020 for the draft masterplan revealed there were mixed responses towards the remodelling of Winter Hey Lane, therefore we are keen to understand whether the outlined proposals for the next phase of the masterplan would have an impact on local businesses and residents.

Proposed changes to Winter Hey Lane

There are two options being proposed for Winter Hey Lane:

• The first proposed option suggests making Winter Hey Lane one-way westbound from Lee Lane to Chorley New Road.
• The second option proposes pedestrianising part of Winter Hey Lane to create a flexible space for things like markets, events, outdoor seating and socialising.

To do this, Winter Hey Lane would be closed between Lee Lane and St John Street, with access for businesses during certain hours.

Two-way access for all vehicles would remain in place between St John Street and Chorley New Road. Access to Harrison St would be permitted from Wright Street.

Both proposals aim to tackle congestion on Winter Hey Lane, provide more greenery and improve accessibility. The full details, and the differences between the two proposals, can be found in the short video below.

Useful information:

• Winter Hey Lane Consultation Proposal
• Horwich Town Centre Strategy Report
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Invest in Bolton – Horwich

We welcome your feedback on the proposals, as a local stakeholder in Horwich. We are keen to understand the opportunities or concerns that each proposal may bring.

Survey

Consultation events

The team will be undertaking two consultation drop-in events where you can find out more about the proposal.

• 11th September at 12noon - 4pm - Horwich Library 
• 17th September at 4pm - 7 pm - Horwich Leisure Centre

Survey support

If you require a paper copy of the survey or would like support to complete the survey, please contact the consultation team on 01204 334875 / 01204 331450, leaving your name, address and telephone number and the name of the consultation you are interested in, ‘Winter Hey Lane’. You can also access paper copies of the survey at Horwich Library and at the Horwich Leisure Centre drop-in events.