A FORMER shoe shop which has been acquired by an estate agents is to be converted into luxury properties under new plans.

Bosses at Whittakers announced last September the shop was closing, citing the impact of the coronavirus lockdown and a lack of footfall in Bolton.

Now estate agents Mistoria Bolton have acquired the historic building, situated on Deansgate in Bolton town centre.

Following the development of the firm’s 15 bed Mistoria Villa Bolton property on Castle Street in 2019, company bosses decided to purchase the building.

A company spokesman said: “We are refurbishing the building to a very high standard, and we hope it will become a flagship property.

“On completion, this building will provide a blend of commercial space and high-end accommodation.

“We aim to carry out a full internal configuration, and the building’s external fabric and façade will be restored and retained to honour its stature within the conservation area.

“The quintessential interiors will be redesigned and restored to combine period features with a twist of modern contemporary living spaces.

“The ground floor will remain as commercial space - and the apartments will be available to rent incorporating kitchens and bathrooms, all designed on-trend for the modern market place.”

The property will benefit from The Cheadle Square and The Croal Valley regeneration zones ,due for major redevelopment as part of the Bolton Masterplan, so the site is hoped to become part of a thriving community of homes and leisure.

The Mistoria Group was founded in 2009, and manages more than 1,000 houses and 3,000 tenancies and operate mainly in the Bolton, Salford, Walkden, Manchester, Cheadle and Liverpool areas.

The Bolton branch in Little Lever launched in 2018 and now manages over 75 properties and over 250 tenancies.

The firm has plans to continue to grow the Bolton branch over the next few years and also set up a town centre office.

The spokesman added: “The property will be developed with this in mind and we hope to secure a commercial tenant for the basement and ground floor spaces to compliment the upcoming residential and retail schemes in the masterplan pipeline.

“We would welcome enquiries from both franchise and independent traders to do justice to this stunning property and we hope to have a long and successful future in the Bolton market.”