WORK is set to begin on a half a million pound project to transform a town centre premises — with a mystery new retailer set to move in.

Developer Gordon Moon Properties is investing £500,000 into the revamp of the vacant unit on the corner of Deansgate and Market Street — which used to house the YMCA charity shop.

It is understood a new retailer has already agreed terms to move in to the premises.

Work is due to start this month — but the developers are remaining tight lipped about the identity of the new retailer.

Gordon Moon Properties said the revamped building would provide a "fitting new approach" to the Market Place shopping centre, which is currently undergoing a major redevelopment of its own.

The lead architect on the project is Bolton-based Bradshaw, Gass and Hope — which has worked on numerous prominent Bolton projects such as the Reebok Stadium, Bolton One and more recently the renovation of Bolton Council’s One Stop Shop.

The refurbishment will include a revamp of both the interior and exterior, including a separate basement level.

This is aimed at giving the area a much needed lift and the developer said it would create 4,000 sq ft of open plan sales space, with "contemporary facades designed to complement the surrounding architecture".

The council’s executive cabinet member for regeneration Cllr Ebrahim Adia said: “We have a long-standing and trusted relationship with Gordon Moon Properties who are established in the town with a proven track record of delivering.

“With works progressing well at the Market Place, this investment will benefit the wider area and further encourage new retailers into the town centre.”

James Gordon, of Gordon Moon Properties, said: “We are beginning to see a number of key projects in our refurbishment programme coming to fruition and this is an integral part of our ongoing plans to help support the regeneration of Bolton town centre.

“With several schemes now starting to take shape this is the catalyst needed to return Bolton to one of the most significant retail and lifestyle centres in the North West.”