‘A vibrant town centre was promised but not fully delivered’: When are shops and businesses moving in?

This week, a councillor challenged the wider success of the Farnworth Green development, saying that a ‘vibrant town centre ‘ was promised, but as yet,‘the public feel it has not been fully delivered’.

In a question to Bolton council, Farnworth representative Paul Sanders said the ‘residential element of the scheme has been successful’ but questionedthe progress on the leasing of the retail units.

At present, there are six vacant commercial units at the development. Additionally Cotton, a cafe and artisan bakery is committed to moving in and using the site as their headquarters.

There are also plans under consideration for Farnworth’s library to move into the complex. The 97 homes built at Farnworth are fully let to residential tenants.

Recently the co-founder of Capital & Centric, the developer behind the project, said ‘we would rather sit patiently and get the right occupiers in’.Tim Heatley, added: “I understand people’s frustrations with how long it’s taking but equally we want to get it right even if it’s financially detrimental to us.

“We’ve had criticism from local residents who say ‘this is not what we were promised’. We could have had the whole place fully occupied with outlets like bookmakers, vape shops, barbers and off licences.

“They have been clambering over each other to try and get in the space but we don’t want that. We think it needs to be a better curated mix of businesses which bring a wider variety of people into the place.”

Coun Sanders question was raised at this month’s Bolton full council.

He said: “As the council will be aware, the long-campaigned for redevelopment of the 1970s market precinct in Farnworth town centre was completedthis time last year following two years of construction. The residential element of the scheme has been successful, Farnworth’s own Coffee House opened in the spring, a pilates studio in the autumn, and a pop-up Ramen noodle bar opened temporarily in December.

“The other units, envisaged for bars, delis, and independent retailers, remain empty. Residents are understandably asking why there has been no further progress on the leasing of the other retail units and are questioning the success of this regeneration project.

“A vibrant town centre was promised, and as yet, the public feel has not been fully delivered.”

Deputy leader of the council Coun Akhtar Zaman, said: “There continues to be significant interest, but Capital & Centric remain committed to ensuring the right type of occupancy and are resisting a strategy that is centred on quickly filling the vacant units in favour of occupancy that continues to support the vision for the development and Farnworth itself.”