A BUILDING steeped in history is the new home for estate agents Miller Metcalfe.

The firm is relocating to the corner of Bradshawgate, Bolton, which is the gateway to the historic Deansgate conservation area.

The landmark building was once known as the Whewell Buildings in recognition of a family of printing and book binding magnates, which has been extensively refurbished.

Older readers may recall the property once being used by famous businesses such as Freeman, Hardy & Willis, Lennard’s, and Saxone & Cable.

More recently the building has been home to a bar and a Subway sandwich shop.

The opening will mark the 125th anniversary of the company which can trace its roots back to 1891, with the original business operating under the name of Thomas Crompton of nearby Wood Street.

Executive Chairman at Miller Metcalf John Fletcher said: "Some years ago I dreamed of relocating our business to this historic building and last year the opportunity presented itself and I didn’t give it a second thought.

"We are proud of our heritage as a Bolton based business and to be at the gateway of the conservation area and to be able to play an active part in the revival of the town centre makes us very proud and excited.

"We are very confident that being there on the high street, reassures our clients that we are knowledgeable about the community we live in."

This historic red terracotta faced building will be renamed "Burnden House" as a symbol and reminder of a part of Bolton's heritage; an iconic name for an iconic building.

The building will house Miller Metcalf's central support office for online and offline marketing, digital and social media, customer service, HR and administration.

The company employs more than 120 staff and has other branches are in Horwich, Westhoughton, Farnworth and Harwood.

Mr Fletcher added: "We are keen to recognise and support the heritage in our area, which in many cases has provided the foundation for some of the great villages and towns we see and enjoy today.

"History has an important part to play in our present as it gives us a sense of being, identity and unity in our growing and ever diversifying communities.

"We are proud that we have saved a building of local importance, which served so many people for so many years.

"We have refurbished it to a high standard and will use it to deliver an equally high standard of service for years to come.

"Maybe one day in years to come the Miller Metcalfe Burnden House, will be talked of a landmark in Bradshawgate."

Miller Metcalfe also runs a `Community Giving` programme supporting local and has raised over £100,000 in the last five years and more recently it has announced its support for the newly relaunched Horwich RMI Brass Band.

The next big charity event will be held in September when over 20 cyclists from Miller Metcalfe will ride 125km. The “Tour de Branch” will see participants visit all 10 branches to acknowledge the company’s 125th anniversary and in doing so, raise money for Kidneys For Life.