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.
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
Manchester may finally get a lido as part of plans for a new ‘woodland town’
Daisy Jackson
A lido may be on the way to Manchester for the first time in decades, as part of major plans to regenerate Holt Town.
The area just beyond Ancoats and New Islington could be transformed into a ‘woodland town’, with thousands of new homes and high quality green spaces.
The new town would ‘bridge the gap’ between the bustling city centre and major cultural venues like Co-op Live, the Etihad Stadium, and all the other facilities at SportCity and the Etihad Campus.
If it all goes ahead as planned, Holt Town will be home to a lido – something that’s been on a lot of Manchester wishlists for decades.
Plans include building around 4,500 new homes- including at least 20% genuinely affordable properties, family housing, apartments and age-friendly homes.
It’ll all incorporate high quality green spaces surrounding a 1km play street spine, provision of new local services, cultural opportunities, and significant affordable workspace, plus a focus on green travel rather than car use.
Around 15 acres of green space would be created, enhancing Holt Town’s proximity to the canals and rivers.
How Holt Town could look after its regeneration. Credit: SuppliedHolt Town’s regeneration plans include a lido for ManchesterHolt Town will be built along the canals and rivers near ManchesterThe new ‘woodland town’ will be built along the canal
Manchester City Council’s executive will be asked to approve the ambitious Holt Town plans at a committee meeting next week (22 January), following positive feedback public consultation last year, where 10,000 people viewed the plans and 411 formal responses showed strong support.
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Holt Town has huge potential and this is feeding our ambition to create a brand new woodland town – the first of its kind in Manchester.
“We have an opportunity to deliver a transformative programme of investment and we expect this area to be Manchester’s next urban regeneration exemplar, creating a neighbourhood that meets the needs of our city and our people – with at least 4,500 new homes, including significant affordable housing options.
“This neigbourhood will represent a people first focus around active travel, green spaces, new play spaces for young people – and a digital first approach that will better connect the community with local services.
“Following consultation, we are beginning to move to the early delivery phase for Holt Town – a new town within the city of Manchester – that will finally bridge the gap between the city centre, Sportcity and the Etihad Campus in east Manchester.”
10 hot properties for sale in Greater Manchester | January 2025
Emily Sergeant
Every month, we show you some of the hottest properties currently on the market in Greater Manchester.
It’s safe to say that Mancunians love a good nosey around other peoples’ houses, and after all, Greater Manchester is a brilliant place to live.
But what can your money currently get you in the area?
In our monthly Hot Property series, we scour the internet to find 10 more of the most diverse, jaw-dropping, accessible, and beautifully-presented homes currently on the market in Greater Manchester for you to take a look at.
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Cliff Hill Road
Shaw, Oldham, Greater Manchester, OL2
Ryder & Dutton
Cliff Hill Road / Credit: Ryder & Dutton
Detached Bungalow | x4 Bedrooms | x3 Bathrooms
Estate agents say this is a “truly unique” chance to get your hands on a stunning, four-bedroom detached dorma bungalow situated in a sought-after location just off Buckstones Road in the popular Oldham village of Shaw, being close by to both nature and all the amenities, schooling options, and transport links you could need.
Internally, the property has been completed to an extremely high standard, having been modernised throughout by the current throughout to create light and spacious living spaces.
Stepping outside, you’ll find the property boasts a large paved driveway to the front, an integral garage, and immaculate lawned gardens to the year.
Cliff Hill Road / Credit: Ryder & Dutton
The property is currently on the market with the Royton branch of local independent estate agents, Ryder & Dutton, for £455,000.
Timperley, Sale, Trafford, Greater Manchester, WA15
Ian Macklin & Company
Fox Close / Credit: Ian Macklin
Semi-Detached | x4 Bedrooms | x2 Bathrooms
Situated on a popular residential street in the sought-after south Manchester suburb of Timperley, which benefits from being conveniently close to all the amenities in the village centre, as well as plenty of good local schooling options, and transport links into Manchester city centre and across the regio, is this immaculate four-bedroom semi-detached family home.
Having been extended by the current owners, the property now provides superbly-proportioned living spaces which are all presented to an exceptional standard throughout.
Externally, the property boasts ample off-road parking thanks to its large driveway and integral garage, as well as delightful gardens to the rear that benefit from a high degree of privacy.
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Estate agents say viewing is “highly recommended” to fully appreciate this home.
Fox Close / Credit: Ian Macklin
The property is currently on the market with Hale-based independent estate agents, Ian Macklin & Company, for £600,000 (Offers Over).
Described by estate agents as being “truly spectacular” with a whole host of period features dotted throughout, while still offering everything needed for modern life, is this large Edwardian semi-detached family home on a quiet cul-de-sac, just a short stroll from both Didsbury and West Didsbury villages, as well as being close to many reputable schools.
The property has a stylish presentation throughout, with some of its stand-out features being the large open-plan kitchen diner with French doors out to the rear garden, and the fully converted basement rooms.
Externally, the property has a large paved driveway to the front offering off-road parking for several vehicles, as well as decent-sized rear garden space that’s fully kitted-out for entertaining.
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Bamford Road / Credit: Philip James Kennedy
The property is currently on the market with the Didsbury branch of local estate agents, Philip James Kennedy, for £975,000.
Situated in the highly-sought-after and historic Bolton village of Barrow Bridge, which is a hidden gem tucked away mere moments from the all the local amenities you could want, is this stunning four-bedroom stone cottage which is packed with character and charm around every corner, while still boasting plenty of modern features.
This unique Grade II-listed Georgian property has versatile accommodation set over four floors – with some of the stand-outs being three large reception rooms, and four double bedrooms including a master suite, with en-suite bathroom
Externally, there are also expansive gardens and a private driveway.
Fifth Street / Credit: William Thomas
The property is currently on the market with Bolton-based independent estate agents, William Thomas, for £500,000 (Offers Over).
Not far from what was recently named one of the UK’s ‘poshest’ villages, close by to plenty of amenities, good local schools, and transport links into Wigan and across Greater Manchester, is this large bay-fronted three-bedroom end terrace property that’s immaculately presented throughout and is a true credit to the current owners.
The property benefits from a modern dining kitchen, as well as a separate formal dining room, a large family living room, good-sized bedrooms, and more.
As well as having a walled garden to the front, there is also off-road parking to the side, a single detached garage, and a large lawned rear garden with expansive open views.
Haigh Road / Credit: Alan Batt Sales & Lettings
The property is currently on the market with local independent estate agents, Alan Batt Sales & Lettings, for £270,000 (Offers in Excess of).
Situated on an attractive new-build estate in the ever-popular Salford suburb of Worsley, which is known and loved for being an affluent area full of amenities, good local schools, and convenient transport links into the city centres, is this four-bedroom detached family home which is immaculately-presented from top to bottom.
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Ready to move straight into, with plenty of potential for future owners to put their own stamp on it, this property boasts light, flexible, and spacious living accommodations throughout.
Externally, the property benefits from having gardens to the front and rear, and a large driveway offering off-road parking.
Thorne Crescent / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
The property is currently on the market with the Worsley branch of local estate agent chain, Miller Metcalfe, for £425,000 (Offers Over).
Sat on a popular residential estate in the sought-after Bury village of Greenmount, which benefits from being close by to all that’s on offer in Ramsbottom and the surrounding villages, as well as Bury town centre and even having easy-access to Manchester, is this two-bedroom detached bungalow that has recently undergone full modernisation.
This is a deceptively-spacious property which offers a perfect blend of contemporary living and serene village charm inside, while also boasting gardens to the front and rear, as well as off-road driveway parking for several vehicles.
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Estate agents say this is a “truly beautiful” bungalow worth viewing.
Hunt Fold Drive / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
The property is currently on the market with the Bury branch of local estate agent chain, Miller Metcalfe, for £425,000.
Occupying an enviable plot on a desirable cul-de-sac in the sought-after Rochdale suburb of Norden, which benefits from being close to a good selection of amenities, local schooling options, and transport links across the region, is this five-bedroom detached family home on the popular Caldershaw estate offering bags of potential for prospective buyers.
With high-quality fixtures and fittings throughout, some of the stand-out internal features have to be the modern fitted kitchen five spacious bedrooms, and even a self-contained annexe.
Externally, the property boasts immaculate gardens to the front, side, and rear, as well as a double garage and driveway for multiple vehicles.
Bronte Close / Credit: Adamsons Barton Kendal
The property is currently on the market with Rochdale-based independent estate agents, Adamsons Barton Kendal, for £580,000.
Set amid expansive gardens along a private lane in the lively Stockport suburb of Hazel Grove, with a wide range of amenities, good local schools, and public transport options across Greater Manchester, is this impressive detached family home that has been completely modernised throughout – which estate agents say offers “exclusivity and tranquillity” from the moment you arrive.
Inside the property are several spacious reception rooms perfect for entertaining, with the living kitchen-diner being at the heart of the home, as well as five good-sized bedrooms, office spaces, and large family bathrooms.
Stepping outside you’ll find lawned garden areas surrounding the property, and a driveway suitable for up to six vehicles, all overlooking stunning cityscape views of Manchester.
To make it even more attractive, the property is offered to the market chain-free.
Shores Farm Lane / Credit: Shrigley Rose & Co
The property is currently on the market with the North West branch of estate agents, Shrigley Rose & Co, for £1,295,000 (Guide Price).
This stunning three-bedroom detached family home in the idyllic Tameside village of Gee Cross is a true asset to the current owners.
Built on a popular cul-de-sac in 2017 to a completely individual design, this property – which is a stone’s throw from the village centre, good local schools, and transport links, as well as surrounding countryside including Werneth Low too – has accommodations set over three floors and has a range of quality fixtures and fittings throughout.
Not only that, but there’s also contemporary-styled external landscaping that offers low maintenance living too, as well as off-road driveway parking for several vehicles.
Gerrards Wood / Credit: Thomas Lardner
The property is currently on the market with Stockport-based independent estate agents, Thomas Lardner, for £465,000 (Offers in Excess Of).
Emily Sergeant -
14th December 2020 
