One of the most ambitious shopping developments in Bolton town centre has taken another step forward. This comes after plans for new Primark signage were approved at the Market Place shopping centre, ahead of the clothes retailers planned move from Crompton Place. The Market Place building was once used at the town’s market hall and is one of the most historic major buildings in the borough.
A Bolton Council report said: “The southern building, which is the original 19th century market hall. “It is Grade II listed and is of considerable heritage value. The signage plans have now been approved (Image: Wren Design Consultants) “It was converted to a shopping centre in the last decade and underwent more recent alterations in the mid-2000s to provide a more modern shopping facility.
“In essence, the design of the shopping centre inserts a two-storey shopping mall into the Victorian volume whilst leaving the original structure and envelope untouched. “The basement vaults have been converted to a range of food & beverage uses over the last two years.” The former Debenhams space where the new Primark will go (Image: Newsquest) It added: “The north building is a purpose-built shopping centre built in the 1980s.
“It is a two/three storey mall with a three-storey car park above. “This building, whilst distinctive, is considered to have no heritage value.” The move forms part of wide-ranging plans to remake the town centre in the months ahead when Primark relocated.