The completion of a major regeneration project in the centre of Bolton has moved a step closer, as Build to Rent developer – Placefirst – is granted planning approval for its £25m Croal Valley development.
The site is North of Deansgate – opposite the former Beales/Whittakers department store and extending to the River Croal. The 1.1-hectare brownfield site is currently occupied by vacant buildings and a car park.
Placefirst, in partnership with award winning architects Levitt Bernstein and landscape architects CW Studio, will deliver 158 new Build to Rent homes – a range of apartments and houses. The development is designed around a network of pedestrian priority streets, a spacious square, courtyards, rooftop terraces and residents’ gardens. The scheme will also utilise a range of ground floor units to expand on the amount of commercial space available to local businesses.
“Croal Valley is a vital site in Bolton Council’s town centre masterplan. The planning approval for Placefirst’s plans will bring much needed modern housing and attractive public spaces on a brownfield site. The new development is set in the heart of Bolton and will attract more people, create new jobs and position our town centre as a desirable place to live and work.”
Deputy Leader of Bolton Council and portfolio holder for regeneration, Councillor Martyn Cox
Construction is set to start in April with final completion expected in 2023 – which will see the Croal Valley properties let, maintained and managed by Placefirst as ongoing landlords for the scheme.
Placefirst has worked collaboratively with Bolton Council and other stakeholders for the past two years, which includes holding detailed discussions and putting its proposals to a number of independent design review panels.
“Having worked closely with Bolton Council for the past couple of years to make sure this project offers the right design for the town centre; we are excited to see this scheme move on to the next stage. Our aim has always been to leave positive lasting effects on any development we are involved in and we are confident that the Croal Valley development will prove fantastic for this area of Bolton.”
David Mawson, Chief Executive, Placefirst
The new Build to Rent development demonstrates Bolton Council’s £1bn masterplan to transform the town centre by complementing the historic fabric of Bolton centre through a mix of interesting, high quality buildings and well-thought-out public spaces. This includes a new courtyard square and improvements to the River Croal – such as a river walk, channel widening and extensive landscape treatments.
“We are proud to be involved in addressing the lack of high-quality housing within the town centre and create a thriving community. We can’t wait to see the transformation this development has, all while offering local people a great option to rent affordable modern properties as an alternative to the financial headache of buying a house.”
David Mawson, Chief Executive, Placefirst
