Bolton Central Street Regeneration

Client: PlaceFirst

Architects: Levitt Bernstein

Description of Development: Demolition of buildings and redevelopment for 158 new homes (studio to three-bedroom), commercial space, a public square, river walk along the Croal, and significant public realm and landscaping enhancements.

Location: Land to the east of Central Street, Bolton Town Centre

Summary

The Central Street project represents a major brownfield regeneration scheme in the heart of Bolton Town Centre. Maddox Planning has supported the application for a complex, residential-led, mixed-use development that will deliver 158 new homes and ground floor commercial units, centred around a new public square and revitalised river corridor.

Located within the Deansgate Conservation Area and adjacent to heritage assets such as Victoria Hall and the former Beales Department Store, the scheme delivers both sensitive conservation and confident, contemporary placemaking. Enhancements to the River Croal, extensive public realm improvements, and a pedestrian-friendly street network are integral to the vision of a revitalised town centre neighbourhood.

Key Issues Addressed

Land Use and Need: The scheme responds directly to Bolton’s critical housing need, delivering high-density housing in a highly accessible town centre location. The development helps close the gap in the borough’s five-year housing supply and supports town centre vitality. Originally earmarked for retail-led regeneration, the site now contributes to strategic housing goals, complementing Bolton Council’s Town Centre Framework and Growth Strategy 2016–2030.

Design and Context: The layout features a mix of six-storey apartment blocks and innovative stacked townhouses (duplex homes arranged vertically) that echo the historic Velvet Walks. The landmark Block A faces Deansgate with red and grey brick detailing, textile-inspired metal balcony screens, and a prominent “ginnel” pedestrian route through to the public square. The design was refined through three rounds of review with the Places Matter design panel and incorporates historical references while creating a contemporary architectural language.

Transport and Accessibility: The development enhances surrounding streets (Central Street, Ridgeway Gates, Brook Street) and closes Palatine Street to vehicular traffic to create a pedestrian-friendly environment. While only 20 car parking spaces are provided (compared to the 169-space car park it replaces), the location’s proximity to Bolton Interchange supports low car dependency. A cycle hub and walkable connections promote sustainable mobility.

Sustainability and Environmental Performance: Key environmental measures include:

• Sustainable drainage with river-facing attenuation

• Energy efficiency through high-spec building fabric and extensive rooftop solar PV

• Passive ventilation and low-emission heating systemsThe development meets Bolton’s policy target of a 10% carbon reduction below Part L baseline standards and contributes to flood resilience by setting development away from high-risk zones adjacent to the River Croal.

  
  

Urban Greening and Biodiversity: Extensive landscape planting, new tree-lined routes, and riverbank restoration introduce urban biodiversity gains. The Croal embankment is reshaped to support riverside ecology with native species planting, gabion walls, anchored boulders, and improved river access. Nesting and roosting enhancements for birds and bats are also included as part of the biodiversity strategy.

Community Impact: Community and stakeholder engagement informed the project from an early stage, including consultation with Historic England, Greater Manchester Police, and local civic groups. While some heritage harm results from the demolition of non-listed buildings, planning officers concluded this was outweighed by the public benefits: increased housing, public space, and revitalisation of the town centre. The delivery of a coherent streetscape and high-quality architecture strengthens the setting of the Deansgate Conservation Area.

Development Highlights

This flagship regeneration project brings forward transformative change to an underutilised part of Bolton town centre. It creates a new town centre neighbourhood with a strong architectural identity, a vibrant mix of uses, and rich connections to history and place. Maddox Planning advised on strategy, engagement, and the delivery framework to secure approval for this high-profile scheme.

Central Street Regeneration, Bolton