A BUSINESS-savvy couple who fell in love with an historic Bolton building have not only saved it for the town, but also created a venue which is already attracting other local businesses.

Rebecca and Chris Brayshaw were successfully running long-established family firm Umbrella World from an old mill in Chorley Old Road when they realised they needed new office space.

The couple spotted two old buildings off St George’s Street in the town centre “by chance”.

They have spent the last two years — and more than half a million pounds — turning Little Bolton Town Hall and its adjacent building into offices, a café bar and meeting and event spaces.

The Umbrella World offices are now housed in 34 All Saints Street – originally created as a “counting house” and home for local builder Thomas Heaton who constructed Little Bolton Town Hall in 1826.

But, at the same time, the Brayshaws also acquired the former town hall next door which in its time has also been a police station, a magistrates court, a library and a museum.

“We both loved that building at first sight but hadn’t reckoned on taking on such a big project,” Rebecca explained.

However, the couple, both Bolton born and bred, wanted to preserve the historic building which had been the scene of Chartist riots in 1839 and breathe new life into it.

After constructing a “building within a building” in All Saints Street, the Brayshaws began a rolling development and refurbishment through Little Bolton Town Hall itself.

They were determined to make the improvements fit the building and guard its Grade II listed status.

Although there are still two major areas unused — one for a restaurant and another a lofty event space in the former magistrates court — they now have several areas up and running.

This includes a well-furnished café bar, Courtyard 36 with its large extension called The Glass House on the ground floor, and the handsome Parlour on the first floor which is already proving popular with local businesses and organisations.

“We have had several networking meetings and conferences,” Rebecca said, “And we’ve got various events booked in.

“Fortunately, local business people, as well as those from the Manchester area, are finding it an unusual and interesting venue.”

There are currently three offices in 34 All Saints Street and three more due to be completed and released in Little Bolton Town Hall itself.

While plans are still under way for the two large vacant areas, Rebecca says: “We’d really like a well-known chef to take over the restaurant area as that would fit really well.” added Rebecca – the venue is already proving a new and successful chapter in the life of one of the town’s important historic structures.