THE ORGANISATION behind landmark plans to update Farnworth town centre have announced their priorities.

Creating new homes, opening a new community hub and moving library services into the town centre are among some of then ideas that have been raised after six months of community engagement and 500 responses from residents, councillors and businesses.

BDP, the firm appointed to lead regeneration, presented the outline proposals to the Farnworth Steering Group earlier this week and a four-week public consultation will follow from January 7. The findings of the consultation will be used to shape a final masterplan document in Spring 2019.

Bolton council’s deputy leader Cllr Ebrahim Adia, is chair of the Steering Group, he approved the plans for consultation but stressed that the ideas for Farnworth town centre were in the very early stages.

He said: “Residents have suggested community facilities, regular events, improving linkages and gateways into Farnworth as well as developing new facilities such as cafes and restaurants.

“The next step is to consult on the proposals with the public and key stakeholders before BDP shape a final masterplan document.

“We want to reassure people that at this stage these are initial options and things could change as we listen to what emerges through a consultation with residents, businesses and partners.”

Other plans set out by BDP include a residential development of the market precinct, with retail and leisure units.

They would also consider extending the current leisure centre, repurposing public buildings, focusing on new housing development on both private and council land, and prioritising upgrades on Cross Street and the University campus.

Moving services from Farnworth Library has emerged as a contentious issue from the early proposals, with Labour cllr Jean Gillies pointing to the idea as a possible sticking point.

She said: “I’m not 100 percent happy with all of it, I have made that quite clear. I wasn’t happy with the idea that we would move library services and use it for something else. It’s part of our heritage.”

She spoke about visiting Urmston town centre to view similar development plans that have already been completed, pointing to the variety of shops in the area and the bus and rail links which allow residents to travel easily. She also emphasised the need consult with young people and hard to reach members of society.

“I think there’s a long way to go yet,” she added. “I think that the Urmston model could have some substance to it but I want to make sure more people are consulted on this.”

Cllr Maureen Flitcroft, from Farnworth and Kearsley First, was more positive.

She said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the plans that we have seen so far. Farnworth is finally getting the recognition it has long deserved. This is putting us back on the map and we have to give Cllr Thomas credit for saying that Farnworth is her first priority.

“If it comes off it will be fantastic. Farnworth and Kearsley First will continue our crusade for the town and try and improve the region.”

She added: “I can understand them trying to move the library services into the [Farnworth] town centre. Our concern is that the building is used for other civic purposes”

More information on the proposals, including the draft report, is now available through the Bolton Council website here.