Work has started on an extension to Farnworth Leisure Centre, one of the projects set to transform the town as part of a £13.3m regeneration masterplan.
Funded by the government’s Future High Streets Fund, the completed work will see an extended fitness suite, a dance studio and new windows added to the existing facility.
Work is being carried out to a high environmental standard by local construction firm Seddon.
A reconfigured car park will also see additional spaces created by the removal of a disused MUGA.
Work is scheduled for completion in Spring 2023.
Bolton Council adopted the Farnworth Town Centre Masterplan in 2019, following extensive consultation with local people.
In 2020, the town was awarded a grant of £13.3m from the Future High Streets Fund towards a number of development projects.
These include improved public space along Market Street and the regeneration of the old precinct into a vibrant new town centre neighbourhood complete with a community hub.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Cllr Adele Warren, said:
“We are excited to see work start at the leisure centre, the first project to get underway as part of the wider Farnworth Town Centre Masterplan.
“When we consulted with Farnworth residents about the plan, many told us that they wanted improved services and facilities at their local leisure centre.
“The council is now delivering on this local priority and the completed extension will have a positive impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of Farnworth residents.”
Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Martyn Cox, said:
“The council is committed to regenerating our district centres, here in Farnworth and across the borough.
“This is a fantastic example of a regeneration project designed in consultation with the community to meet local needs.
“I know many residents will be pleased to see work underway and I look forward to more development projects staring in Farnworth in the near future.”
Jonathan Seddon, CEO of Seddon said: “It’s fantastic to see the work commence at Farnworth Leisure Centre and we’re excited to play a small part in the transformation of town.
“As a local business, based on Plodder Lane, many of our employees are from the Bolton area and use the facilities so it’s wonderful to see the regeneration plan for the centre come to fruition.”