THESE two pictures of Bolton’s Market Place show how the building has changed over the years yet is still recognisable.

The building has always been a draw for shoppers since it opened as Bolton Market Hall in 1855.

Built at a cost of £50,000 and covering 7,000 square yards, at the time it was said to be the largest covered market in the country.

The building was given a new lease of life in 1988 when the Queen opened the newly refurbished mall hall.

But the nature of the building changed dramatically and controversially 10 years ago when, despite an 80,000 name petition and protest, 50 stallholders were moved out to make way for more shops.

Further changes last year boosted the use of the building in evenings with the opening up of its vaults to become a dining and drinking hub and a cinema was installed.

The picture above was taken in 1965, before the streets outside the market hall were pedestrianised.