BOLTON is to have a new nightclub and fitness centre as part of the £25 million leisure development at Watersmeeting, it was revealed today.

Details of the second major operator at the development, First Leisure were announced by Bury North MP Alistair Burt, the Minister responsible for the town's City Challenge scheme.

It follows the news that Richard Branson's company, Virgin is to operate Bolton's first multiplex cinema on the development.

First Leisure has agreed a deal with site developers THI Plc for a 40,000sq ft health and fitness centre and a 25,000sq ft nightclub, which will create 140 jobs.

Watersmeeting is a 12 hectare site at the north end of the Tonge Valley. The leisure complex is being developed as a partnership between Chester-based THI, Bolton City Challenge and Bolton Council. Mr Burt said: "This is more good news for the people of Bolton."

Mr Burt also visited the 3Ds Partnership initiative based in Derby, Deane and Daubhill, and joined a group of young people from Pathways 2000 in a game of basketball at Pike Lane County Primary School aiming to reduce youth crime. He also visited the Bolton Evening News.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.