Greggs has announced the location of its next drive-thru, and it’s Greater Manchester’s lucky day as the region is set to get its second site.
The bakery chain’s Bolton fans will soon get to grab their bakes on the go.
Foodies will know that Greggs drive-thrus have been popping up all over the UK these past couple of years – with the groundbreaking concept for the chain actually first launching in Irlam back in 2017, and the second North West site opening in Blackburn in 2018.
But now, the Greater Manchester borough of Bolton has been confirmed as the next place where residents will be able to get their Greggs fix without even needing to get out the car.
Plans were initially submitted by Bolton-based developers A&F Forecourts back in 2022, and permission for the new site – which is set to open on the constantly-developing Logistics North services and commercial retail park near the Over Hulton area of Bolton – was granted later on in the same year.
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A brand new Greggs drive-thru is set to open in Bolton / Credit: Greggs
Although no launch date has been revealed yet, when it does eventually open, Bolton residents are told they can expect the same “deliciously golden bakes, freshly made sandwiches, Fairtrade coffee, and tasty sweet treats” that you find at every Greggs outlet.
But unlike all other shops, at the new drive-thru, you can stay in the comfort of your own car and make orders at the order point, before driving round to the collection window where your treats will be waiting for you.
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According to developers, the first stage of the new petrol forecourt development where the Greggs drive-thru will be opening has already been completed, and funding for the second phase of the major project has now been provided by Cheadle-based specialist lender, Together.
The town’s second Burger King has also been confirmed to be opening next door on the same site.
🙌 NEW – Case study: Development funding for a new forecourt in Bolton.
🍔 Developers A&F Forecourts have completed the development of the site at Bridgewater Avenue, and have brought on-board the two fast food outlets Greggs and Burger King.
Speaking ahead of the new Greggs drive-thru opening, Ataf Patel, who is the co-owner of AF Forecourts, said: “It’s great to have completed this new project and we’re excited to have brought on board two restaurants which are household names in Greggs and Burger King, as tenants.”
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AF Forecourts already has “extensive experience” with projects of this kind, as they now own and operate 11 petrol forecourts across the UK, and have also previously developed two sites from the ground up.
Gordon Spotten, who is the Business Development Director at Together, said the new Greggs drive-thru and petrol forecourt was in an “ideal location” for commuters and visitors to stop for refreshments.
You’ll want to keep your eye out for official opening dates.
Featured Image – Greggs
News
Government grants local councils power to make pavement parking illegal in their region
Emily Sergeant
New powers are being made available to local leaders across England to introduce pavement parking restrictions in their area.
Blocked pavements can create serious barriers for parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users, blind and partially sighted people, and older people, and campaigners say this limits individuals’ independence and makes everyday journeys harder and less safe for them.
So, in a bid to help keep pavements clear and accessible for everyone who uses them, the Government has introduced new local powers.
Following a public consultation – which first took place all the way back in 2020 – the Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that local leaders will be given ‘new and improved’ legal powers to make it easier to restrict pavement parking across wider areas, rather than relying on the previous approach where action was often limited to individual streets.
The Government has granted local councils the power to make pavement parking illegal in their region / Credit: Samuel Regan-Asante (via Unsplash)
The Government says local leaders ‘know their streets best’ and are therefore best placed to respond to local needs.
Under this new approach, local leaders will be able to decide to take action on pavement parking in their area, while still getting to retain flexibility where they deem pavement parking may still be acceptable.
“Clear pavements are essential for people to move around safely and independently, whether that’s a parent with a pushchair, someone using a wheelchair, or a blind or partially sighted person,” commented Local Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood.
Blocked pavements can make it harder for parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users and blind or partially sighted people to get around.
That’s why we’re giving local authorities stronger powers to tackle pavement parking and keep pavements accessible. https://t.co/PIqkIw1LF2
“That’s why we’re giving local authorities the power to crack down on problem pavement parking, allowing more people to travel easily and safely and get to where they need to go.”
By putting decision-making closer to communities, the Government says this approach supports safer and more inclusive streets that ‘work better for everyone’.
The DfT will set out guidance to help local authorities use these powers in a ‘proportionate’ and ‘locally appropriate’ way later in 2026.
Featured Image – Sado Lavren (via Unsplash)
News
Ian McKellen to play legendary Salford artist L.S. Lowry in new BBC documentary
Emily Sergeant
Sir Ian McKellen has landed himself an exciting new role, and he’s set to play one of Greater Manchester’s most iconic sons.
One of the most celebrated British actors of all time playing one of the most celebrated British artists of all time? It was meant to be. That’s right, Ian McKellen is set to portray Salford’s very-own L.S. Lowry in the new BBC documentary, L.S. Lowry: The Unheard Tapes, produced by award-winning Wall to Wall Mediaand coming soon to BBC Two and iPlayer.
Marking 50 years since Lowry’s death, this immersive documentary film will focus on the touching and often surprising exchange between the enigmatic artist and Angela Barratt – a young fan whose interviews capture Lowry in his most intimate and reflective moments.
Recorded in the artist’s own living room, these tapes reveal Lowry’s authentic voice, which Burnley-born actor McKellen will lip-sync on screen.
Across these candid conversations, Lowry traces his journey from childhood right through to his final days, sharing the memories and experiences that shaped him both as an artist, and crucially, as a man.
Alongside this deeply personal account, the documentary is also set to explore the dramatic transformation of Salford and Greater Manchester, which Lowry, of course, depicted so prolifically in his work.
“To give play to Lowry through his own voice has been a unique privilege,” commented Ian McKellen as his casting was announced this week.
“These tapes reveal an intimate insight into the artist’s thoughts – his ambitions, regrets and his humour. Anyone like me, who admires his paintings and drawings, will be intrigued and delighted that the artist is brought back to life through his own words.”
Mark Bell, who is the Commissioning Editor at BBC Arts, added: “Marking 50 years since Lowry’s death, and celebrating Arena’s own 50-year tradition of ambitious, intelligent storytelling, this film comes at a very special moment.
“The inspired casting of Ian McKellen and Annabel Smith feels like life imitating art in the best possible way. But this film isn’t just about the life of the artist, it also provides an insight into the realities of urban life in Greater Manchester in the 20th century.”
L.S. Lowry: The Unheard Tapes is directed by James Kent, following his recent Emmy win for Lost Boys and Fairies, with executive producer Morgana Pugh, and producer Hannah Mirsky.
Further broadcast details will be announced in due course.
Featured Image – BBC / Wall to Wall Media Ltd / Connor Harris
Emily Sergeant -
27th June 2023 
