A TOWN centre multi-storey car park could be transformed into a 116 unit apartment complex with a ‘cotton mill style’  facade alongside a gym and shops.

Developers Wright Investments and Queensbridge Homes have published detailed plans for the conversion of the concrete multi-storey car park at Crown Street and Bow Street in Bolton.

In planning documents submitted this week, they outline for a development called The Link.

It would be a mixed use site with 55 two-bed flats, 15 single-bedroom apartments and four larger three-bed units.

There would also be 18 rooftop townhouses along with 23 on the ground floor.

Included in the complex would be a gym and two retail units along with car parking space for 93 vehicles and storage units.

Architects Max Design Consultancy have produced design concepts for The Link.

They said: “An initial scheme has been developed to allow the client to review the commercial viability of the site.

“It is a town centre location predominantly surrounded by retail, office, pubs and other public buildings.

“The proposal is not in a conservation area however it overlooks Deansgate, St Georges and Church Gate conservation areas.

“Therefore the design must take into consideration the impact a large development can have from a conservation perspective.”

The Splash Academy swimming pool is a sitting tenant at the site in a section of one of the lower levels.

The developer said detailed proposals would be formed around that unit so it could be retained.

Plans for the townhouses on the roof of the car park have been inspired by a similar development in France.

The report adds: “The roof extension has been inspired by a multi storey car park development in Bordeaux.

“The architects used a traditional Bordeaux housing complex to inspire the layout of the roof extension.

“We have taken a similar approach aiming to imitate a row of townhouses with a contemporary appearance.

“We have integrated a glass atrium into the design to try and achieve the same feel and appearance in the central part of the building.”

The report concludes: “Our design process stemmed from the glass atrium concept which is our proven solution to a lack of natural light.

“Due to the property being surrounded by Bolton’s town centre conservation areas, we visualise the structure blending in and enhancing the area.

“Our vision will be achieved by a historic cotton mill inspired façade, a stunning glass atrium combining history with a modern twist.”

Planners in Bolton will deliberate on the plans at a date yet to be decided.