BOLTON is set to welcome at least two major retailers to the town centre early next year.

The transfer of Marks and Spencer to its single site Deansgate store and Boots to The Gates centre has opened up the opportunity for new businesses to move in.

The two storey former M & S satellite store in the Market Place and the former Boots store on Deansgate are currently empty.

But Market Place manager Rod Neasham said: "We are confident of welcoming a major retailer into the centre."

And Bolton town centre manager Maria Appleton added: "There is a lot of interest by some really big names in the Boots site. It is a prime site and I'm sure it's going to be snapped up."

As reported in the BEN in October the music and video chain Virgin Megastore have shown an interest in the Market Place unit.

A spokesman for the company confirmed that they were considering opening a new store in Bolton.

But Mr Neasham said this week he could not confirm any details at this stage.

No moves are expected until early next year. Until then the Market Place are putting the top floor of the former M & S to use as a Santa's grotto and fun-land. From November 25 Father Christmas will be there together with daily children's entertainment.

The ground floor is being used by Clinton Cards as a temporary Christmas shop.

Work on the former Co-op site in Bridge Street is expected to gather pace during the next month.

Frozen food giant Iceland has already been unofficially linked with the new development. The Bridge Street centre is expected to be open in time for Christmas shopping next year.

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