Watson has secured planning consent for the £100m mixed-use Church Wharf regeneration scheme in Bolton.
The developer intends to build 415 new homes, a 130-bedroom hotel and new commercial spaces across a vacant 7.5-acre riverside location near Bolton Parish Church.
The three-phase development will comprise a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and houses, and will also create space for restaurants, shops and leisure operators in the heart of the town.
The development is supported by £5m from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund and follows Bolton council’s provisional agreement to sell the land earlier this year.
Nick Peel, leader of Bolton Council, said: “This is a significant step forward in bringing the work to regenerate Church Wharf to the next stage. Church Wharf is a key development site at a strategic gateway to the town centre, and as work nears completion on projects like Moor Lane and Deansgate Gardens, this marks an exciting new phase in our regeneration masterplan.
“Together with the upcoming demolition of Crompton Place and the recent relocation of Primark, we are now consolidating our retail offer while introducing the right mix of leisure, hospitality and quality residential spaces across our town centre. This will also boost market confidence for investment in Bradshawgate, a part of town with enormous potential for regeneration.”
Rob Watson, director at Watson, added: “We’re incredibly proud to be moving forward with Church Wharf, a project that represents a major opportunity for the community of Bolton. This development is about creating a new neighbourhood with character and purpose, where people want to live, work, and spend time.
“Beyond bricks and mortar, this project is an investment in long-term value and lasting, positive change. Our mission is to deliver developments with a meaningful legacy, and we’re excited to bring Church Wharf to life.”
