PERMISSION is being sought to alter the internal structure of the Market Place

An application for listed building consent has been submitted by the Moorgarth Group - who own the Grade II listed shopping centre.

If consent is granted, it could lead to four new units being created.

According to a design and access statement submitted by planning agents Wren, the proposals would "reinvigorate the Shopping Centre and create more flexible units better suited to the current market."

Wren also designed the Vaults in the Market Place, which opened in 2016.

The new units would be created in the space currently occupied by clothing store Zara, which is situated over two floors.

There is also a storage unit belonging to the retailer in the basement of the shopping centre.

The escalator between the ground floor and first floor of the store would also be removed.

Zara was one of the original stores in the Market Place, following the shopping centre's £40 million revamp in 2008.

Tim Vaughan, chief executive of Moorgarth said that a number of options are currently being reviewed and that nothing may change for a number of years.

He said: "We're just looking at options at this stage but to do any of the options we have to put in the listed building consent.

"We're always looking at ways in which the building can be adapted but nothing may change for the next ten years. It's simply a review of our options."

The Bolton News has contacted Zara for comment.