BOLTON's Primark store could double in size under proposals lodged with Bolton Council.
Company chiefs want to expand into the redundant toy and furniture stores on the Deansgate side of the Crompton Place shopping centre.
But the scheme was put on hold yesterday by Bolton Council's planning committee because the plans also include a proposal to close off the Bradshawgate entrance to the shopping centre.
advertisementCllr Nick Peel said: "The centre is a very well used link between Bradshawgate and Victoria Square and the entrance is necessary."
Cllr David Wilkinson added: "This is one of the stupidest ideas I have heard in a while. We have got to get them to think again."
Primark bosses want to extend the store to cover 36,000 square feet.
The plan is to expand into the adjacent former Toyworld and the units opposite, from the former Walmsleys Furniture store up to, but not including, Sports World.
The Bradshawgate entrance to Crompton Place would be closed as part of the development, leaving the only entrances in Exchange Street and Hotel Street.
Although Primark does not need planning permission to expand within the centre, it does need council approval to change the shop fronts in Bradshawgate, which form an integral part of the proposals. The planning committee voted unanimously to defer a decision amid concerns about shutting the entrance.
Members want to try andto persuade Primark to keep the entrance open.
Cllr Norman Critchley said: "Bradshawgate is dead and shutting off this entrance is going to put the nail in the coffin."
Geoff Lancaster, head of external affairs at Primark, said yesterday: "We have noted the council's request and will be responding in due course.
"It is one of our older stores. This is a great opportunity to go in, revamp it and produce a store to our current standards."
The proposals have been welcomed by Malcolm Angus, centre manager of Crompton Place.
He said: "It's fantastic news for us that Primark want to expand.
"We are hoping this will be the catalyst for further investment in the shopping centre.
"We hope it will kick-start the empty units being taken on by a more varied supply of tenants, giving us other exciting retailers."
Primark believes the revamped and expanded store would be an asset to Bolton.
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