Property

Manctopia’s CAPITAL&CENTRIC to deliver £50 million community in Farnworth town centre

Plans will see the Bolton suburb transformed into a "vibrant, mixed-use community".

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 14th December 2020
CAPITAL&CENTRIC

Social impact developer CAPITAL&CENTRIC – stars of BBC Two’s Manctopia – has agreed a deal with Bolton Council to redevelop the former market precinct in Farnworth town centre.

The plans will see the site transformed into a “vibrant, mixed-use community” based on the developer’s neighbourhood housing concept, and will include over 200 modern homes centred around a new public square for artisan markets, live events and more.

The plans also include a new flexible space for community uses and events, with a village hall feel, which could host vintage fairs, art galleries, and pop-up gin bars.

It will also see a linear park and spaces for café-bars, delis, a mini-cinema, gym and co-working.

Located on King Street in the heart of the town centre, the site is a short walk from the train station with easy access into Bolton and Manchester, and on the doorstep of the refurbished bus-station, making it an ideal location for commuters.

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Speaking on the newly-reached deal, Tim Heatley – Co-Founder of CAPITAL&CENTRIC – said: “This is about rebooting and modernising the market town. By creating 200 new homes around the square, we’re bringing life, and spending power, back to the town centre, so it’ll have its own ecosystem.

“We’re looking to attract the region’s best artists, makers and indie operators to set up home here.  

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“If you jump on a train you can be in Manchester in less than 20 minutes, so we see this rivalling the city centre with the same quality homes but affordable to more people from young professionals to downsizers.

“All surrounded by an incredible public square, plenty of trees and loads of places to hang out.”

Cllr Martyn Cox – Deputy Leader of Bolton Council – added: “It’s great to see such exciting development plans for Farnworth town centre. CAPITAL&CENTRIC have a fantastic track record of not just creating buildings but communities for people to live, work and socialise in, which is what is needed to transform Farnworth town centre and make it more vibrant, attractive for visitors and fit for the future.”

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Cllr Paul Sanders – Chair of the Farnworth Steering Group – said: “This is real progress and what we’ve been waiting for. The delivery of the key development proposals in the masterplan is vital for Farnworth and the plans proposed by CAPITAL&CENTRIC are welcomed.

“Our ambition is to rejuvenate the town centre and bring in new community facilities for our residents [and] we are looking forward to sharing the plans with Farnworthians, Kearsleyites and our partners.”

CAPITAL&CENTRIC is planning to launch a public consultation on the plans – which are being designed by architects BDP – in the new year.

This is CAPITAL&CENTRIC’s first project in Bolton, following other town centre schemes in Stockport and Rochdale being announced earlier this year, and the developer is famed for its high quality and bold designs, with a focus on creating a positive social impact.

Farnworth reached the second phase of the UK government’s Future High Streets Fund – a multi-million pound pot of cash set up to make high streets fit for the future – after the council submitted a business case in June 2020, and is waiting to hear whether the £19m bid has been successful.

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The additional funds would help in the delivery of a number of key development projects identified in the Farnworth town centre masterplan.

Farnworth is also one of Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham’s Town Centre “challenge” areas.

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You can find more information via the CAPITAL&CENTRIC website here.

Property

You can live in a Greater Manchester manor house from the 1700s

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

There’s a manor house which dates back to the 1700s that’s just gone on the market in Greater Manchester.

Now, obviously, we know Manchester is the best place on Earth and, naturally, people have been wanting to live here since the 18th century (and even earlier).

Westerhill House in Ashton is a property that dates back to 1764, and now you could be the next lucky owner to live in this five-bedroom property, which really is a piece of living history.

The legacy of this property spans more than just this country house site, as the previous tenants – who inhabited the house until 1964 – actually provided the rivets for the Eiffel Tower on behalf of their company, Park Bridge Ironworks.

The grand entrance to this 1700's manor house in Ashton.
The grand entrance to this 1700’s manor house in Ashton.
The hamlet in which this Greater Manchester property resides.
The hamlet in which this Greater Manchester property resides.
Credit: On The Market

One particular room in this manor house features the work of a well-known Mancunian architect, Donald Reeve Buttress, who spent more than a decade at Westminster Abbey until his departure in 1999.

On the estate agent’s website, each room is described as being individually detailed with its specific role in the house, and if you think you don’t have enough space for all your stuff, think again.

This 1700s character manor house has a room for just about anything you could possibly think of, including a billiard room (posh word for pool) and a wine cellar – I know which room I’ll be accidentally getting myself locked in once a week…

This Ashton historical property spans three floors, with the downstairs being the smallest in size with only one room, while the ground floor boasts 10 and the first floor has eight designated rooms.

As you enter the living space, there is an entrance hall that leads to a bigger hall and a staircase; meanwhile, there is a breakout room immediately on the right side leading to a toilet and a dedicated boot room. Handy.

On your left-hand side as you step through the front door, there is another bigger breakout room which hosts the impressive billiard room and seating area, which is a considerably large space.

The conservatory designed by architect from Westminster Abbey.
The conservatory designed by architect from Westminster Abbey.
The main hall which leads to various rooms in this 1700s Ashton manor house.
The main hall which leads to various rooms in this 1700s Ashton manor house.
Credit: Supplied

Step through to the main hall and you’ll find doors leading to the dining room, kitchen space and a lounge which has an adjoining conservatory.

It’s this very conservatory that was designed by none other than Buttress himself, who worked at Westminster Abbey for 11 years as the ‘Surveyor of the Fabric’.

Any loyal Ashtonians will also be impressed with the stained glass window in the inner hallway, which also happens to contain a depiction of the ‘Black Knight of Ashton-Under-Lyne‘.

Moving upstairs, you find a wide landing which leads to all four bedrooms and three bathrooms, two of which are en-suites.

This 1700s manor house is currently listed for offers in the region of £750,000, and although it may be historic in age and interior, in terms of broadband, the property apparently has super-fast broadband.

The billiard room with adjoining seating area.
The billiard room with adjoining seating area.
Curved seating area overlooking the stunning garden space.
Curved seating area overlooking the stunning garden space.

Ever get bored of looking around this magnificent and interesting mansion’s four walls? This house is situated in a lovely hamlet located close to Daisy Nook Country Park.

Of course, we understand that a lot of us reading certainly can’t afford a property of this nature, but when the manor house is rooted in this much history, it would be rude not to have a snoop on the official site.

Oh, and if that wasn’t enough browsing for you, there’s a three-bed coach house up for sale in this same exact Ashton hamlet, also dating back to the 1700s. Cool, right?

Check it out HERE.

Read more:

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Featured Image: Supplied via On The Market

Property

A FREE home show is coming to Manchester next month

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Manchester Home Show is taking place in May

A brand-new event is heading to Manchester in May that’s been created to help people get on the first rung of the property ladder.

Whether you’re overwhelmed by taking that first step or wanting to find out more about affordable homeownership options, the Manchester Home Show promises to be a one-stop shop. 

You’ll be able to chat to experts, receive FREE financial and legal advice, and learn all about schemes like Shared Ownership.

How do you actually buy a house? How can you boost your savings? How do you cope with the rising costs of owning a home? All these questions will be answered at the Manchester Home Show. 

You’ll even be able to browse for a home, with leading providers showcasing new properties available across Manchester and the North West, each one suited to first time buyers, second-steppers and those looking to downsize.

There’ll be hundreds of affordable homes available to browse, from apartments to spacious homes.

If you spot your dream home, you’ll even be able to register your interest on the spot. 

Sponsors of the event include major providers of first time buyer developments including Gecko Homes, L&Q, Places for People, Plumlife, and Tembo.

The free event will help you get to grips with the vast array of affordable homeownership options available.

Manchester Home Show is taking place in May
Manchester Home Show is taking place in May
Manchester Home Show is taking place in May
Manchester Home Show is taking place in May
Manchester Home Show is taking place in May

Expect live sessions and workshops, plenty of information on affordable housing products, and the chance to meet conveyancing solicitors and mortgage advisors with free one-on-one appointments.

You may also discover affordable buying schemes you didn’t know existed, like Shared Ownership, Deposit Unlock, First Homes, and schemes exclusive to people aged 55 and above.

There’ll be exclusive merchandise, prizes and incentives for all attendees. 

The Manchester Home Show comes from Share to Buy, the country’s number one property portal dedicated to affordable homeownership. 

The Manchester Home Show will take place on Saturday 31 May 2025 between 10.30am and 4pm, at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel.

It’s free to attend but you’ll need to register for tickets – head HERE to register. 

You can also follow @sharetobuy on Instagram HERE for the latest.

Read more

Featured image: Supplied

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