A historic building that had been dilapidated for many years has now been revived as a new bus company head office.

The ribbon was cut last week on the former solicitors office on Silverwell Street just off Bradshawgate that will now serve as the head office of Diamond Bus Northwest.

General manager Tony Clegg says this represents a significant investment in the town, particularly in a historic area that has long been blighted by abandoned and derelict buildings.

He said: “I think it’s a statement about us and about Bolton as well.

“We’re not just a bus operator, we want to give back to the town.”

He added: “No one else was touching this building, it was derelict for two to three years, it was just another failing building in Bolton town centre.

“I’m Bolton born and bred so for me this is really part of a two-pronged approach.

The Bolton News: The office at the historic building has now openedThe office at the historic building has now opened (Image: Newsquest)

“One is I’m very proud to part of this company especially at this historic moment with the Bee Network coming in but also being able to invest in the town is something I’m really proud of.”

Mr Clegg explained that the head office will help to train new bus drivers from all over the country, with accommodation built in for four people at any one time.

The opening event on Friday, November 3 was attended by various officials from Diamond Buses parent company Rotola, Transport for Greater Manchester and Bolton West MP Chris Green who was on hand to cut the ribbon.

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Mr Green said that this tied in with the launch of the new Bee Network across Greater Manchester but also with national policies such as the £2 cap aimed at supporting bus passengers.

The Bolton News: Chris Green MP at the new officeChris Green MP at the new office (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “This building and Diamond Buses marries a few positive things together, so Bolton Council is doing a huge amount of working in reinvigorating the town centre, getting more people living here.

“But it's fantastic having more people work here and having our old historic buildings, listed buildings brought back to life and its magnificent building as well.

“I’m a little bit jealous of people who get to work here, my office in Westhoughton doesn’t quite compete!”