BOLTON Town Centre can be recognised in this picture from 1986 (top) but something is definitely missing.

It was taken as work on what was described as the Bark Street development was taking place right next to Bolton’s famous market hall.

This would later become the Market Place that we know and love today.

There are definitely two schools of thought though.

We know that many people still, today, miss the traditional market hall that brought in visitors from all over the North West and beyond.

It sold just about everything you could ever want or need and has never been replaced.

Although the new building is smart and contemporary, light and airy for some it will never be the same or rival its predecessor.

Building was beginning here on the Market Place part of the development that would, eventually, incorporate, The Vaults.

We can see the Market Hall in the top left hand corner of this picture which was taken by a Bolton Evening News photographer piloted by local councillor John Hanscomb who became leader of the Conservative party in Bolton and leader of the council.

The Cinderella Rockerfella’s night spot which was previously known as the Bolton Palais de Danse can also be seen at the edge of the development site and what was the St George’s Craft Centre and the Bath Street car park on the right of the picture.

Bark Street can be seen to the top of the picture.

On one corner we see what was once the Prescription Pricing Authority and further along on the top right of the picture is an outdoor car park which is now the Topp Way indoor car park.

Other buildings are also very different today and although the actual design of the buildings in Knowsley Street remain virtually the same the wares sold inside are very different in some of them with charity shops emerging in some places where once new goods were sold.

The other picture shows Bark Street with the “Bolton Institute for the Blind” on the left hand side.

This picture was taken in 1989 and we can see a sign for Bolton Lads’ Club on the wall.

This was before the club moved to Spa Road into purpose built contemporary-style premises and introduced girls to the mix.

The move meant the youngsters could enjoy much improved facilities including football pitches and various other sporting activities.

Times have certainly changed in Bolton Town Centre and while some will say for the better others may still hanker after the old days.