A NEW playzone is to be built in the regenerated Market Place Shopping Centre — featuring a crazy golf course and a huge model railway.

Plans have been put forward to create the family fun area in the refurbished Victorian vaults on the shopping centre’s ground floor which will also contain a host of new restaurants and bars.

The playzone will include a 730 sq m indoor recreation space and climbing wall as well as an 18-hole adventure golf course and a 43 metre model railway — which is being created in Italy.

The area will also be served by a new café and special party zones which will be able to be booked for events.

If approved by council planning chiefs, the entire playzone will be based in the ground flood of the Market Place building in an area which was previously used as a loading bay for deliveries.

It will be formed next to an array of new restaurants and bars which are set to open in the refurbished vaults area in March and Market Place bosses believe it will be welcomed by children and parents alike.

Market Place manager Nikki Wilson-Cooke said: “The idea is that children can enjoy playing in the playzone, while parents can enjoy a bit of downtime in the restaurants or bars.

“This has always been a part of the overall plan but we have been spending time deciding which different elements to include. We think this is something that isn’t already on offer in Bolton Town Centre and hopefully with the cinema as well we can encourage families to enjoy a full day of fun in the Market Place.”

The Market Place is currently undergoing a £19 million regeneration — including the creation of a nine-screen cinema complex and the vaults project.

Owners the Moorgarth group have already signed up major restaurant chains Nando’s and Prezzo to set up shop in the vaults — with more big names set to join them.

The vaults are expected to open to the public in March with the cinema on course to welcome film-lovers in May.