£100 million Bolton regeneration scheme approved

A major redevelopment plan for Bolton town centre has received planning approval, paving the way for a £100 million transformation of the long-vacant Church Wharf site.

Regeneration specialist Watson has secured the go-ahead from Bolton Council for the mixed-use scheme, which will deliver 415 homes, a 130-room hotel, and new commercial spaces on a 7.5-acre site near Bolton Parish Church.

The development, to be delivered in three phases, includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and houses, with a share designated for affordable housing. In addition to residential units, the scheme will introduce new space for restaurants, shops, and leisure outlets, aiming to create a vibrant town centre destination.

According to an independent economic assessment, the Church Wharf project is expected to generate over £7 million in annual local spending and support the creation of 1,500 jobs. It is forecast to contribute approximately £64 million in gross value to the local economy once complete.

The site, vacant for decades, is identified as a key priority in Bolton’s town centre masterplan. The regeneration is being supported by £5 million from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund. Earlier this year, the Council provisionally agreed to sell the land to support the scheme.

The plans for the scheme were submitted in June 2025, when Watson’s Director Rob Watson said: “Church Wharf is not just about new buildings, it’s about revitalising Bolton Town Centre with much-needed housing, dynamic commercial and leisure spaces, together with a hotel that will bolster the local economy, enhancing the lives of the community.

“As members of the Bolton community, we are proud to be part of Bolton Town Centre’s regeneration master plan. We are committed to making a long-lasting, positive impact on the communities we serve”.

Construction is due to begin in 2025, with phased completion expected by 2029. The development will eventually house more than 1,000 residents and is designed to support a growing trend toward town-centre living.

Watson Director Rob Watson emphasised the long-term goals of the project, stating, "This development is about creating a new neighbourhood with character and purpose. Beyond bricks and mortar, this is an investment in lasting, positive change."

The Church Wharf regeneration will complement other key residential schemes in Bolton and includes infrastructure upgrades and job creation, while also preserving aspects of the site's historical significance.