DECLINING town centres are a similar story across the country.

As part of the Bolton Vision 2030 the council wants to see a booming economy in the town.

“A thriving economy which connects local people to opportunities is one of the central parts of our Vision for Bolton” says one description.

The council’s Vision for the future includes reshaping the town centre and bringing not just business but homes to the heart of the town.

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The masterplan, set to cost around £1 billion, includes plans to change Crompton Place, transforming the empty BHS store with an upper floor food court overlooking Victoria Square and possibly expanding Primark.

The masterplan will also see regeneration brought to other areas of the town centre including Church Wharf (starting in Bank Street) and Cheadle Square (on the old Moor Lane bus station). Both will see new housing brought to the heart of the town.

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The masterplan is designed to be funded through a £100 million council loan with the rest coming from private developer investment.

When the masterplan was launched in September 2017, then-leader Clr Cliff Morris said: “It is no secret that town centres across the country continue to face tough challenges.

“We are also realistic that the plan may need to change and adapt over the years to reflect changing economic conditions.”