Bolton Council’s cabinet has approved proposals designed to boost investment, support regeneration and keep the town centre safe.
Plans for the ongoing redevelopment of Crompton Place and town centre CCTV were discussed at a meeting on Monday (August 17).
Expanding the Crompton Place redevelopment
With the demolition of Crompton Place now underway, the cabinet looked at plans to expand this key redevelopment site in the heart of the town centre.
The HSBC building in Victoria Square is not currently included under the current plans for demolition and redevelopment.
Cabinet approved the purchase of the freehold interest in 1-3 Victoria Square to allow it to be included in the transformational mixed-use redevelopment scheme.
In total, the net purchase cost is estimated at £1.74m with funds coming from the £100m originally set aside by the council to buy town centre properties to facilitate redevelopment.
Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, said: “Crompton Place is our flagship redevelopment project and alongside our partners Federated Hermes MEPC we are looking forward to a new town centre development that everyone in Bolton can be proud of.
“While it has always been possible to deliver this project without acquiring the HSBC building, this decision will secure control of a strategically important site and enable a comprehensive redevelopment.
“It represents the last piece in the puzzle to allow the site to reach its full potential.”
A safer town centre
Bolton Council has also been investing in town centre safety by improving the CCTV network with the backing of the Pride in Place Impact Fund.
The camera network is operated by NCP, but with the company in administration, the cabinet moved to bring the service back in-house.
This will give the council greater control over the day-to-day operation of this critical safety system.
Under the plans, NCP’s existing on-street cash collection contract would also be transferred to a new provider ensuring an uninterrupted service for residents.
The town’s multi-storey car parks are unaffected by the decision, and the council continues to work with the appointed administrator.
Cllr Zaman said: “With NCP in administration, councils across the country are having to look at alternative arrangements for various services, including CCTV provision.
“We have significantly increased the coverage and quality of our camera network as we work to make our town centre safe and welcoming for everyone.
“Bringing the service back in house not only gives us more control of our network but will help keep money and jobs here in Bolton.”
All decisions made at Cabinet Meetings can be called in by elected members for further review via the council’s scrutiny committees.