THE University of Bolton has renewed its bid to knock down a former mill to pave the way for a multi-million pound college.

Holts Mill in Deane Road has been earmarked for demolition as part of the university’s plans to build the new University Technical College (UTC) Bolton.

Plans to demolish the five-storey mill — once home to a lingerie manufacturer — were initially rejected in 2011 after Bolton Council told university bosses they had not provided enough information about how they planned to restore the site.

Now the university has launched a fresh bid to develop the area, which it says is a key part of plans to educate more people in Bolton and get them ready for the world of work, particular in the realm of science.

Dr Zubair Hanslot, the University of Bolton’s Provost and in charge of opening the new college said millions of pounds would be spent on the site.

He added: “The university’s facilities department has been instructed to clear the site in preparation for building work to commence. UTC Bolton will offer academically rigorous education for young people age 14 to 19 which is set in a technical context that is led by employers and the University.

“UTC Bolton has a clear focus on careers in health sciences and engineering technologies.

“We are confident that young people can achieve the best grades in sciences and mathematics if the teaching and learning is delivered in a technical context.

“We aim to ensure we provide the students of Bolton with first-class teaching in world-class facilities as we prepare them for employment and life-long learning.”

Planning officers at Bolton Council will now examine the plans, with a decision expected to be made within the next three months.

More information about UTC Bolton can be obtained at bolton.ac.uk/butc