Big things are happening in Little Bolton
January 12th 2007
A new website has been launched to mark an exciting new phase in the £1.6 million regeneration of Little Bolton.
The website www.littlebolton.org will inform the public about the scheme and appeal for volunteers to set up a new group offering local people the chance to help shape the regeneration of this distinctive part of town.
The group, which is to be known as the ‘Friends of Little Bolton’, is open to anyone with a stake in the redevelopment plus former residents and anyone else who is enthusiastic about the history of the area.
‘Friends’ will be invited to share personal stories about life in Little Bolton, historical facts or even old photographs of the area, as the website develops.
The contributions could even be used to assist in returning buildings to their original state. And, as the projects progresses, the group may even look at creating guided walks or a heritage trail to showcase the area.
Little Bolton is located within Bolton town centre to the north of the Market Place Shopping Centre, and is an area which can be identified by the landmark building of St George's Church (1796) and Little Bolton Town Hall (1826). The area has significant cultural and historic value in addition to architectural character.
The regeneration project was given a major boost last year when Bolton Council secured a grant of £800,000 from the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Additional funds have also been provided from Bolton Council and Bolton Community Homes.
An event was also held this week for property owners and businesses in the Little Bolton area, to inform them that grants from the THI scheme are now available for the repair and regeneration of this historic area.
The event was opened by the Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Walter Hall and speakers included Edmund Southworth of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Alan Gardner, a local historic buildings consultant, and Gavin Richards, Townscape Heritage Co-ordinator for Bolton Council, who addressed the need to put quality conservation at the heart of Bolton’s regeneration.
Bolton’s Executive Member for Development Councillor Ebrahim Adia said the THI scheme in Little Bolton represents a real opportunity to retain and enhance the distinctiveness of Bolton town centre.
“I hope that people will take the time to visit the website or contact the Council to share their ideas and reminiscences of Little Bolton and that private property owners and businesses in the area think seriously about this fantastic opportunity to restore this historic area to its former glory.
“It’s a great opportunity to think big in Little Bolton,” he added.
Edmund Southworth, Heritage Lottery Fund Committee Member, said: “Our heritage is what makes us who we are by giving us a sense of place and identity. The streets of Little Bolton are an important part of our heritage and the great thing about the THI is that it preserves what’s already there to ensure these historic buildings remain for future generations.”
The THI in Little Bolton is now open for grant applications for four years, however, funding is limited so the sooner grant applications are submitted the more likely they are to be successful. Property owners must be able to finance a proportion of the work themselves.
For more information visit www.littlebolton.org. To get involved in the ‘Friends of Little Bolton’, or to obtain a grant application pack and advice on how to apply contact Gavin Richards, Townscape Heritage Co-ordinator, Bolton Council, 01204 336145 or email littlebolton@bolton.gov.uk.
(left to right) Pictured at this week’s event are Bolton Council’s Townscape Heritage Initiative Co-ordinator Gavin Richards with the Mayor of Bolton Councillor Walter Hall (holding one of the leaflets from the grant application pack) and Edmund Southworth from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY ALISON BROWN, MEDIA RELATIONS TEAM, BOLTON COUNCIL, TEL 01204 331396.
