BOLTON University is hoping to temporarily expand its special effects department into a mill building.

The university has recently bought Holt’s Mill in Deane Road and now wants to use it for extra classroom space.

Bosses have applied for planning permission to allow the university to use the second and fourth floors of the building for teaching.

Their submission to Bolton Council says: “This application is an important element of the overall estate strategy for the university and is integral to the continued growth of the university. The aim is to meet a short term requirement for teaching space for the special effects department.”

The application also claims the move would improve the interior of the mill and help preserve some of Bolton’s industrial heritage. Other floors in the building are occupied by Holts Hosiery, a business which would be unaffected by the application.