A RUN down precinct owned by a controversial development firm could be bought up by Bolton Council.

The authority has announced a multi-million pound deal to buy the market precinct in Farnworth from St Modwen, which has owned the site since 2011.

Planners have also released the results of a consultation on the town’s regeneration project which will remove the historic Farnworth Library building from their proposals.

In recent years, there have been repeated announcements of a redevelopment project at Farnworth’s town centre shopping quarter but no progress has been made, causing ongoing frustration for residents.

Now, the council says it has agreed with St Modwen to buy the site, which stretches between Brackley Street and King Street, although full details of the deal — including the cost — are yet to be finalised.

The Bolton News:

Council deputy leader and head of regeneration Cllr Ebrahim Adia, said buying the precinct would allow the council to take control of a key part of the Farnworth Masterplan.

He said: “This ambitious move is fundamental to support the transformation of Farnworth.

“We are acutely aware that for a number of years the people of Farnworth have been frustrated that a scheme hasn’t been delivered.

“We will look to transform an area that is in real need of investment and it will act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the town.”

The deal would mean a change in ownership of 16 retail units fronting Brackley Street stretching from disused Unit 14 — which most recently housed a drop-in centre for the masterplan — up to the Market Street Fish Bar.

A further seven units are also included which are located in the pedestrian street linking Brackley Street with King Street and Farnworth bus station.

The Bolton News:

A representative from St Modwen confirmed that the company has an agreement with the council.

In September last year, the council, alongside development specialist BDP, revealed new plans for a Farnworth Masterplan, which would see the centre of the town updated.

Following the first draft of the plan — unveiled in December — more than 130 people have attended consultations with a further 252 responding to an initial questionnaire.

As a result of this feedback, the council says it has decided against relocating services from Farnworth Library to another building or redeveloping the current Home Bargains site, both of which were contentious parts of the original proposals.

Cllr Adia said planners are now looking for “alternative locations” for a new community hub that could have been built in place of the discount supermarket.

The Bolton News:

In contrast, the consultation detailed support for improving retail options in the town centre; redeveloping the market precinct; extending the leisure centre; and developing a new community and civic hub.

“This was a really important consultation because it will shape what we do for a considerable number of years,” Cllr Adia added.

“We have listened to what people want and we will be keeping the library where it is. We are also looking at alternative locations for a new community hub, possibly in the precinct.

“We had a really good response from residents and we will continue to engage and consult with people as plans emerge.”

A final masterplan document will be produced for formal approval this summer.