MORE than 250 permanent new jobs have so far been created as part of the £20 million scheme to redevelop the Market Place Shopping Centre.

The Moorgarth Group, which owns the town centre venue, is in the process of transforming it into the town’s premier shopping, retail and leisure area.

The centre has already opened up its historic ground floor vaults and welcomed high profile restaurants inside, with many more set to launch in the coming months.

Next year, work will also be completed on a nine-screen cinema inside the shopping centre.

In the past 12 months the Market Place has also welcomed a host of new retail units into its main area, including New Look Men, Clarks, Scott’s and The Body Shop — with clothing giant Topshop set to open next month.

All of this has resulted in a significant jobs boost for the local area, with centre bosses confirming that 252 permanent new jobs have already been created as part of the redevelopment.

These roles include customer service and back of house positions, right through to management jobs — alongside numerous construction and skilled labour jobs needed for the project.

Nikki Wilson-Cook, centre manager at Market Place Shopping Centre said: “We’re proud to be at the heart of the positive changes happening in Bolton.

“Providing new opportunities for our local community is central to creating a vibrant and rewarding town that everyone can be proud of.”

Dean Haslam, store manager at Topshop explained that the company has strived to provide roles for those made redundant after the closure of Bolton’s BHS store.

He said: “Following the closure of BHS in Bolton, every effort has been made by our HR department at Topshop to accommodate Arcadia employees in our stunning new store which is due to open on 22 September. We are especially thrilled to be opening one of our only new stores in the UK this year in Bolton, clearly demonstrating the changing perception and economy in Bolton.”

Good news for the Market Place means good news for Bolton and the council’s director of place, Stephen Young said: “I am delighted at this news, it is a real boost for the town centre.

“The Market Place and what is taking place there is pivotal in terms of our vision for the town centre and they have absolutely delivered.”