Bolton Labour Bolton Labour Party supports residents across Bolton, Blackrod, Farnworth, Horwich, Kearsley, Little Lever and Westhoughton
The Planning Committee has today approved plans to completely redevelop the Crompton Place Shopping Centre. The plan that were drawn up by the previous Labour Council called for a modernisation of the town centre and was an acceptance that the world has moved on, and town centres can no longer be only retail dominated. Labour had committed £100 million into bringing new investors into Bolton and this is one of the first major pieces of the jigsaw.
Cllr Akhtar Zaman, Deputy Leader of the Council said “ I’m pleased that the Tory Council has accepted Labour’s bold vision for the future of our local town centres, and has adopted our plans. The Crompton Place decision now opens the way to a major private sector investment that sees a mix of new shops, offices, residential buildings and new cultural offers coming to Bolton town centre. This will benefit our local economy in many ways.“
Labour members on the committee raised concerns about the design and appearance of the new buildings, as they face the historical Grade II listed town hall. Officers advised that as this is a permission ‘in principal’ only, further detailed design issues can be developed as the scheme progresses.
Labour Leader, Cllr Nick Peel, who sits on the Planning Committee said “This is a great investment for Bolton, but we must not repeat the mistakes of past councillors, who allowed the stark 70s block to be built on Victoria Square. This is our only opportunity to right that wrong, and we hope that the architects take on board that we want to see buildings of outstanding quality.”