An empty unit could be set to be revived amid a string of new openings at the town centre's Market Place shopping centre. The old Body Shop on the ground floor of the Market Place has been empty since the health and skin care brand plunged into administration earlier this year. But it may not be empty for much longer now that plans have been lodged to transform the unit into a branch of Card Factory.
Cllr Richard Silvester, of Queens Park and Central, said: “In terms of this planning application; the unit in the Market Place was previously retail being the Body Shop, and the proposed new use would also be retail so there would be no reason to object. “I have looked at the proposed shop frontage and there is no problem with the design at all.” The plans have been put before Bolton Council (Image: Card Factory) If approved the new Card Factory will join a new branch of shoe retailer Deichmann, set to open next month at the retail and leisure centre, while an as yet unnamed retailer is believed to be set to open at the old Flannels shop.
One of the most significant new additions to the Market Place will be Primark, set to move over from Crompton Place later this year or early next year. The Body Shop first announced its intention to close at the end of February this year. The Market Place branch was one of 75 all across the country to shut as part of the administration process, which also meant the loss of around 500 jobs.
But o May this year the plans lodged by Card Facto.