RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on the planned £6.5 million revamp of the Albert Halls.

Bolton Council is holding a public consultation in the New Year over plans to refurbish the historic, Grade-II listed venue, and build a new upmarket restaurant and cafe with the Town Hall.

The Albert Halls is set to shut in February for 12 months while the work is taking place, but council bosses say the improvements will bring more visitors and investment into the town centre in the long run.

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Cliff Morris, said a lot of work has gone into the new design of the Halls, which aims to protect the historic nature of the building.

He said: “Since we announced our plans to invest in the Albert Halls as part of our wider town centre strategy, we have been looking at how best we can deliver a scheme that achieves the improvements required while retaining the historical features that are important to our iconic building.

“Before we submit any formal plans for planning permission we are seeking the views of interested parties such as English Heritage and local historical groups, plus those of the general public.

“Ultimately, our intention is to encourage residents and visitors to Bolton to make use of this fantastic facility and we would like to invite them to one of our drop-in sessions where they can meet the design team, see the proposals and register any comments they may have on the scheme.

“This represents an exciting opportunity for the Albert Halls and the town, and we want to get it right.”

Under the plans announced in August, the venue will be redecorated, ne the bar area will be refurbished and new lifts, heating, ventilation and lighting will be fitted.

A ground floor cafe would open out into an outdoor seating terrace on Victoria Square, while a separate ‘high end’ restaurant and bar would be open to visitors and theatre goers in the afternoons and evenings.

Bolton Council has set aside up to £6.5 million for the project, which is in addition to the ongoing £3.5 million refurbishment of the council officers within Bolton Town Hall.

At the public consultation will be held on Wednesday, January 7 in Committee Room A in the Town Hall, plans will be available to view and council officers will be present to answer questions and receive comments.

Drop in session will run from 8.30am to 10.30am, 12noon to 2pm and 6pm to 8pm.