By Chris Gee

Copyright manchestereveningnews

The long-awaited £100m regeneration of a massive, long-derelict part of Bolton town centre has been approved. Described as ‘once in a generation opportunity’, Watson Homes has been granted permission to create a new neighbourhood of 418 homes, a 130-room hotel and commercial space at the Church Wharf site. The leader of Bolton council Nick Peel said the importance of the development, which will see more than 1,000 people living there, ‘can’t be underestimated’. Never miss a story with the MEN’s daily Catch Up newsletter – get it in your inbox by signing up here He said: “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 Bolton’s regeneration. “Let’s see those boots on the ground, let’s see those spades, let’s see those cranes, because we can do it in Bolton, we’ve proven we can and this is the next stage.” The Church Wharf site, near the River Croal and St Peter’s Way, has sat dormant for decades and is identified as a key priority within Bolton’s town centre masterplan. The development is supported by £5m from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s brownfield housing fund, and follows the council’s provisional agreement to sell the land earlier this year. The 7.5-acre riverside location near Bolton Parish Church, will see a three-phase development, bringing a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and houses to the area, with a portion allocated for affordable housing. The plans include a public plaza named as ‘Churchbank Square’ which would be ‘a focal point for both residents and the public located at the bottom of Church Bank’. The scheme, which will see 12 new blocks built, will also create space for restaurants, shops, and leisure operators, with Watson Homes saying it will ‘establish a new destination in the heart of Bolton’. The scheme was passed unanimously by Bolton’s planning committee. Coun David Grant, said: “I agree with the mix of housing. I think we sometimes forget there are single people and couples that don’t necessarily qualify for affordable or social housing. “So it’s important we have a mix like this for a town centre environment. This is what real regeneration looks like at what was a scar on the town. Let’s get cracking with it.” Coun John McHugh, said: “I actually love the design which does pay homage to Bolton’s industrial past. It reminds me of Liverpool’s Albert Dock. “It will transform derelict land into a vibrant social and economic hub. It looks phenomenal.” 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. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE “Our mission is to deliver developments with a meaningful legacy, and we’re excited to bring Church Wharf to life.” Construction is expected to begin in 2025, with phased completion through to 2029.