Bolton is set to undergo a transformative urban regeneration, inspired by the success of nearby Stockport, as Mayor Andy Burnham announces plans for a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) in the town. The announcement was made during the unveiling of his manifesto in Manchester city centre, where he expressed his vision for Bolton’s future.

The new MDC, modelled after Stockport’s recent developments, aims to leverage Bolton’s architectural and cultural assets to revitalise the town. Stockport’s transformation included the construction of a new interchange, a park, and the addition of hundreds of new homes, which boosted local confidence and earned it nicknames like ‘the New Berlin’ and ‘the New Brooklyn’.

Mayor Burnham reflected on Bolton’s historic significance and its potential for regeneration. “Bolton was the place to be in the past, and with this new initiative, we can restore its former glory and perhaps go even beyond,” he stated. The plans include enhancing the area around Bolton Town Hall with ambitious developments that focus on utilising the town’s existing historical buildings for new residential and commercial spaces.

In addition to the MDC, Burnham also outlined transport improvements under his prospective third term. These include incorporating Bolton station into the Bee Network’s commuter rail by 2028 and the establishment of a ‘Liverpool-Manchester Railway Board’, promising significant advancements in regional connectivity.

These ambitious plans come as Bolton’s council intensifies efforts to increase start-up spaces and residential development within the town centre, indicating a robust approach to urban development and economic revitalisation.