COUNCIL bosses are looking for new development partners to deliver three key sites in the town centre.

It is hoped a successful bid to the government’s levelling up funding will help make this more attractive to potential developers.

Changing circumstances over the last 18 months have led the council to reach a mutual agreement with previous developers to surrender options agreements on redevelopment schemes at Crompton Place, Trinity Gateway and Le Mans Crescent.

Bolton Regeneration Ltd, a joint venture between Beijing Construction Engineering Group International and Granite Turner, was responsible for Crompton Place redevelopment with Granite Turner alone overseeing Trinity Gateway and Le Mans Crescent.

The Bolton News: An artists impression of the original redevelopment proposal for Crompton Place shopping centre in Bolton (Hive Land & Planning)An artists impression of the original redevelopment proposal for Crompton Place shopping centre in Bolton (Hive Land & Planning)

Council chiefs say they are moving ‘rapidly’ to find new developers for these sites, and are hoping to see work begin by March 2022.

Council leader, Cllr Martyn Cox, said: “Although re-procuring development partners will extend the development process, removing all option agreements gives us a much better chance of securing a levelling up fund grant from government.

“The work already undertaken in relation to these projects means the new developers will start from a more advanced stage than would normally be the case and will therefore be in a position to start construction as soon as possible.”

The Bolton News: An artists impression of the original redevelopment proposal for Crompton Place shopping centre in Bolton (Hive Land & Planning)An artists impression of the original redevelopment proposal for Crompton Place shopping centre in Bolton (Hive Land & Planning)

Officials want a new developer to be confirmed by December, who may follow the plans already in place for the three sites, or amend it how they see fit.

The council owns the intellectual property to the developments designs and architectural plans, which councillors say should make the transition to a new developer smoother.

The redevelopment of Crompton Place will see the current shopping centre demolished, with 46 new retail units created, a 300-space car park, offices and more than 180 homes.

Developers were due to start demolition by the end of this year. But the termination of this agreement puts into doubt when work might start.

The Bolton News: An artists impression of the original redevelopment proposal for the Trinity Gateway 20-storey high residential blockAn artists impression of the original redevelopment proposal for the Trinity Gateway 20-storey high residential block

Trinity Gateway, off Bradshawgate and Trinity Street, was set to include a 20-storey high residential tower and offices, while the former magistrates court building in Le Mans Crescent was set to be transformed into a hotel and spa.

Council chiefs told The Bolton News they are looking to progress with these three schemes as soon as possible, and are very confident a new developer with a track record of delivering schemes in Greater Manchester can be found by the end of the year.

The Bolton News: Proposed plans for a 'luxury' hotel in Le Mans Crescent, BoltonProposed plans for a 'luxury' hotel in Le Mans Crescent, Bolton

They pointed to the significant progress made in recent months at the Central Street, Moor Lane bus station, the YMCA, Church Wharf, and Bark Street developments.

And the council recently secured £23.9m through the government's Towns Fund, for four projects around Cheadle Square and Ashburner Street.

A further £10.73m has been secured from the Greater Manchester Brownfield Fund for site preparation work at five of the town centre sites.