The future of Farnworth town centre is taking shape, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Bolton Council on site today to mark a major construction milestone.
Capital & Centric’s Farnworth Green – a re-boot of the outdated precinct into a town centre neighbourhood – has reached its highest point.
The concrete frame of the main blocks, set to feature design-led rental homes as well as new retail spots, is now complete, with the roof trusses currently being installed.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and Bolton Council joined the developers on site today to take stock of the scale of change underway to revitalise the town centre and redefine the future of the high street.
Mr Burnham said: “For years our town centres have been a focal point for communities to come together. But, as trends change, we need to invest in revitalising them to ensure they play that role for years to come.
“It’s brilliant to see the scale of regeneration underway in Farnworth and the project is powering ahead at speed. When done, it will help attract more people to live in the town centre – creating a place where people want to spend time, with shops and a community hub.
“The struggles of the high street are well documented, but we’re taking a proactive approach to re-position and re-boot town centres across Greater Manchester, whilst very much keeping the community spirit that makes them unique.”
Elsewhere on site, the steel frame for what will become a community hub is now ready for the roof and brick façade. Construction of family town houses is underway, with timber frames being delivered this month.
Locals will see activity dramatically increase over the next six months, with over 120 people to be working on site (up from the current 80). Work is set to include installation of facades and the fitout of the apartments, flexible commercial spaces and a new community hub.
Bolton Council’s deputy leader, Akhtar Zaman, said: “Farnworth Green is a transformational regeneration scheme that will make a real difference for local residents. The direct intervention of the council is turning this once underused brownfield site into a vibrant and modern new neighbourhood being delivered by a developer with an outstanding track record.
“We are very pleased that construction has reached this significant milestone, and together with other projects being delivered across the borough, there is real momentum behind the council’s ongoing regeneration agenda.”
Joining the team in Farnworth were also young people from Regeneration Brainery, the not-for-profit organisation that aims to diversify people taking up property careers and get young people interested in the sector.
It comes hot on the heels of Capital & Centric launching the hunt for operators to locate to Farnworth Green, with early expressions of interest encouraging.
The flexible spaces are from 500 sq.ft to 2,200 sq.ft and able to accommodate a range of uses, whether an independent coffee shop, a local store for daily essentials or pizza place. The team want to create an eclectic but complementary mix of businesses to help boost footfall and create a new chapter for the town centre.
Scott Mallinson, development director at Capital & Centric, said: “This is a major milestone as we reach the highest point of the development, with activity on site only going to ramp up for the rest of the year. The shape of Farnworth’s town centre is rapidly changing and it’s brilliant to welcome the Mayor and Council onto site, both of whom have been instrumental in making the project a reality.
“Early commercial interest in the spaces has been super encouraging. We’re determined that the re-boot of Farnworth will not only draw people to live in the town with high-quality homes and new outdoor spaces, but will firmly position the town centre as the heart of the local community.”
Organisations interested in locating to Farnworth Green are encouraged to get in touch on: Farnworth@capitalandcentric.
