Farnworth market precinct set to get £50m transformation including 200 new homes

Farnworth market precinct is set to become a new vibrant town centre community with £50m transformation plans. 

A deal has recently been agreed between Bolton Council and stars of BBC2 documentary Manctopia Capital & Centric to regenerate the site and rejuvenate the town centre. 

Those from the area are being asked what they think of the proposals of around 200 new modern homes surrounding the public space, as well as a flexible indoor community space with a village hall feel. 

The vision is to create a new bustling destination for artisan markets, live events, art galleries and pop-ups for foodies.

The site is a short walk from the train station, sitting on King Street, giving it easy access to both Bolton and Manchester. The refurbished bus station is also on the site’s doorstep, making it an ideal location for commuters.

A linear park will also link to Farnworth Central Park to bring green space to the doorstep of the community. 

Locals are being asked what amenities they would like to see as part of the market precinct such as café-bars, delis, a mini-cinema, gym and co-working space for workers and businesses to base themselves.

Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital & Centric, said: “It’s been talked about for a while now, but I think 2021 will be the watershed year for rebooting and levelling up our town centres. To get them thriving again we need to bring people into the town centre, so we’re bringing homes of a quality seen in the city centre right into the heart of Farnworth.

“These will sit alongside all the other bits you need to make a proper community, so tons of outside space, with a new public square and linear park, and a new indoor community space for events and pop-ups.

“We’ll also have all the other parts of the eco-system like café-bars, delis, a mini-cinema, gym and co-working space. This will be a new destination for people living in Farnworth to live, work and hang out. As usual for us we’ve gone for a bold design and we’re keen to hear what people think. We’re buzzing with ideas but we want to create this community together so come and join the conversation!”

Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Martyn Cox added: “It’s really exciting to see the proposals for Farnworth town centre beginning to take shape so quickly. CAPITAL&CENTRIC have made a great start since the council agreed the deal with them last year to take forward the redevelopment of the former market precinct.

“This part of Farnworth has huge potential and we’ve now got a clear set of ideas for transforming the area. It’s got everything: high-quality homes and employment, retail and leisure opportunities.

“Now it’s over to local residents to hear what they think – so I’d encourage everyone to respond to the consultation and be part of shaping Farnworth town centre’s future.

“It’s been a tough year for everyone due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but it’s important we focus as soon as possible on helping communities recover. Delivering projects like this will be a key part of that.”

There is no public event due to Covid-19 restrictions but there are a number of ways people can join the conversation:

• Attend a live online Q&A on Monday 8th February at 6pm
• A questionnaire can be completed online or from the ones sent to neighbouring households and businesses in the area
• Email: info@farnworthreboot.co.uk
• Follow @CapitalCentric