Bolton’s iconic elephants have officially returned to their original position on Newport Street.
The trio of elephants were reinstalled on Wednesday 16 September.
Their homecoming follows the trio’s initial move to Octagon Court in 2015, where they remained for 10 years.
Ellie, Elner and Mister Jackbow, who were named by local children following a public competition, will greet Bolton residents and visitors as they exit the Bolton Interchange.
The fully restored and repainted models are part of a series of schemes to make the town centre more welcoming and vibrant for residents, commuters, and visitors.
It is one of many schemes being funded by the government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund.
These also include new murals created by local artists to celebrate Bolton’s history and the borough’s many local musicians, performers, and sporting heroes.
Upgraded outdoor power units will be installed to Victoria Square to support major outdoor events helping to strengthen Bolton’s range of outdoor celebrations.
These projects are in addition to new health and safety measures including improved street lighting, a wider CCTV network and defibrillators that have already been installed.
Together, these projects demonstrate Bolton’s ongoing commitment to investing in its centre, delivering visible improvements, which contribute to the borough’s continued regeneration.
Bolton Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Martin Donaghy, said:
“Bolton deserves a town centre we can all be proud of, and the return of our iconic elephants to Newport Street is another milestone in achieving our efforts to transform the heart of the borough.
“Not just with major regeneration schemes like Moor Lane, Deansgate Gardens, or the upcoming Crompton Place and Church Wharf projects, but also by revitalising the spaces in between.
“As one of the first things visitors and residents will see when arriving from the interchange, the elephants help create a vibrant town centre, that celebrates Bolton’s unique heritage.”
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Debbie Newall, said:
“Many of us have fond memories of Bolton’s iconic elephants at the top of Newport Street and I am delighted they are back in their original home where more people can see and enjoy them.
“The elephants represent Bolton at its very best - welcoming, with a sense of humour while at the same time celebrating our proud civic and cultural heritage.”
Bolton has a long and historic association with the elephant emblem with examples ranging from town hall carvings to statues.
Theories behind Bolton’s historic connection with elephants link it to trade with India, as well as the adoption of the Elephant and Castle from the Arms of Coventry to symbolise strength and dignity.
Whilst formally incorporated into Bolton’s coat of Arms in 1890, records show the elephant symbol was already in local use by 1799, making it one of Bolton’s most distinctive symbols.