THIS is the space age look planned for Bolton's Market Hall as our computer imageshows how the Victorian hall might look if a multi-million revamp is given the go-ahead.

But today the row over the hall's future raged on with market traders announcing that their petition against the redevelopment had attracted more than 50,000 signatures.

The picture above shows a new glass fronted Market Hall extension in Bridge Street.

It would house a cafe, a leisure area for shoppers to relax in and a minimum of 12 retail units that could go to present stallholders.

The main body of the present Market Hall would be converted into a modern mall full of high street stores, if Bolton Council planners approve the scheme at a meeting a week on Thursday.

That has left around 70 stallholders in the Market Hall fearing for their future.

Many of them face losing their business if there are no stalls for them in the market courtyard.

They have now collected the names of 51,000 people on a petition which they hope will persuade planning chiefs to reject the scheme.

The company behind the plans, Agora, has warned that the scheme is essential to stop Bolton town centre sinking into terminal decline.

Michael Stevens, associate director of Warner Estate Holdings, an arm of Agora, believes the development is needed to stop Bolton falling behind rival shopping centres.

He said major plans to build extensions to both the Trafford Centre and the Arndale in Manchester were a new threat to Bolton town centre.

"Bolton used to be one of the top shopping centres in the region, but it has fallen behind," he said.

"Without this kind of investment, its decline over the next five to 10 years is likely to be very steep indeed. Sadly the long term future of the Market Hall is not secure unless there is investment."

But David Wood, co-ordinator of the Market Hall Traders Association, said: "Why mend something that isn't broken. We are the most popular shopping centre in Bolton.

"There is an enormous shopping development in the pipeline at Central Street and I am not sure we need any more large retailers."

Peter Hardcastle, secretary of the traders' association, accused the company of trying to rip the soul out of Bolton.

He said: "The Market Hall is the heart of the town centre and if you take that away it is going to be a disaster.

"People come to Bolton because of its unique atmosphere. They want to replace that with a bland shopping centre that you can find in any town.

"Many people get a lot out of visiting the hall and for them this plan is horrendous."

James Mc Quosh, the architect behind the plans, has promised a renovation that enhances the building's unique character.

He said: "This is a wonderful building with a wonderful atmosphere and that is a key element of our plans."