Newly released images have revealed how a multi-million-pound development will “completely transform” Bolton town centre.
The computer-generated images have been unveiled by award-winning build-to-rent (BTR) developer Placefirst and depict its new £35m scheme, which has today been officially named as Deansgate Gardens.
The development, located opposite the former Beales department store and a stone’s throw from Bolton’s Town Hall, will deliver 167 new high-quality, sustainable homes for long-term private rent, as well as extensive public realm and commercial space.
The name Deansgate Gardens takes inspiration from the area’s vibrant heritage and reputation as a major commercial, retail and social hub during the 19th century. Placefirst also consulted with not only Bolton Council, but also members of the public to receive input into the name, during the summer’s hugely successful Bolton Food and Drink Festival.
David Mawson, CEO at Placefirst, commented:
“These stunning new images of Deansgate Gardens offer a new look into our first contribution towards a bright and brilliant future for Bolton town centre. We are immensely proud to be delivering such a transformative scheme, one which will deliver a community of much-needed new quality rental homes right in the heart of Bolton town centre. As placemaking specialists, our goal is always to create sustainable new neighbourhoods that people benefit from and take pride in – and we will achieve just that with Deansgate Gardens.”
The Deputy Leader of Bolton City Council, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, said:
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Placefirst on this transformative scheme. Attracting more people to live in the town centre is a key part of our regeneration strategy, and building quality long-term rental properties like Deansgate Gardens will help us achieve this goal. The new name reflects the important heritage of this particular site, which will once again become a bustling and vibrant neighbourhood in the town centre. The latest images show how impressive the finished development will be, complementing the many other projects which are transforming Bolton into and even better place to live, work and visit.”
Placefirst worked with award-winning architect Levitt Bernstein and landscape architect CW Studio to design the 1.1-hectare scheme.
Construction at the site, which was previously home to a car park and several disused buildings, began at the site in 2023 by main contractor, Caddick Construction.
Building works are now well underway to transform the brownfield site into a vibrant new neighbourhood with rooftop terraces, resident gardens and courtyards.
Designed with the local community in mind, the neighbourhood will also include ground-floor commercial spaces, a spacious central square, communal green areas and pedestrian-led spaces.
Deansgate Gardens is projected for completion in summer 2025, with Placefirst remaining on-site to oversee the management and maintenance of the neighbourhood with professional in-house teams.
The scheme forms a central component to Bolton Council’s £1bn masterplan to transform the town centre by blending high-quality buildings and carefully designed public spaces.