Bolton Council has set out plans for a £1.5m funding boost to improve green spaces across the borough and support the ongoing regeneration of the town centre.
In September, the government announced the Pride in Place Impact Fund to support immediate improvements to the places and spaces that matter to local communities.
The council has now identified eight projects that could be funded, with proposals to be considered by the Deputy Leader at a meeting on February 10.
These include work to enhance parks and footpaths, ensuring everyone can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of having access to quality green space.
Pending final approval, part of the £1.5m impact fund would be used to:
- Upgrade and promote public rights of way, encouraging more people to explore Bolton’s landscapes and heritage
- Revitalise Moses Gate Country Park with new infrastructure, improved woodland access, a bird hide and new step access to the river
- Install CCTV in Queens Park so everyone can enjoy Bolton’s premier green space in safety and confidence
- Create an outdoor community event space in Rumworth Park
- Carry out a wide range of improvements and upgrades to Lever Hulme Park
This extra funding is an addition to the council’s previous investment of nearly £2m, already committed to parks, sports fields and green spaces across the borough.
Plans would also see the Pride in Place Impact Fund used to complement recently completed town centre regeneration projects, alongside the upcoming transformation of Church Wharf and Crompton Place.
Subject to agreement, the fund would be used to:
- Work with artists on a series of town centre murals to celebrate local musicians, performers and sporting heroes
- Install new outdoor power units for Victoria Square to support major outdoor events
- Create high-spec office space on floors 4 and 5 of the Wellsprings, attracting major businesses and adding to the existing innovation hub
These new features will help make the town centre more vibrant and attract more people to live, work, study, visit and invest in Bolton.
All schemes backed by the Pride in Place Impact Fund will be completed by March 2027.
Bolton Council Deputy Leader, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, said:
“This extra £1.5m is very welcome, and these proposals would see Bolton get the best value for money while ensuring everyone benefits from the impact fund.
“Selecting such a wide range of projects will mean residents are sure to notice improvements in their local area within a matter of months.
“Bolton already has so much to be proud of, this funding will give us even more reason to celebrate our transforming town centre and amazing green spaces.”