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.”
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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
Stunning refurbished Victorian villa goes on market in sought-after Stockport suburb for £2.35m
Emily Sergeant
Fancy a look behind the doors of an expertly refurbished Victorian villa currently on the market in one of Stockport’s most sought-after suburbs?
The only thing is, you’ll just need a cool £2.35 million before you can call it yours.
Of course, it goes without saying that the vast majority of people reading this article won’t have £2.35 million just sitting in their bank accounts right now, but if like us, you love having a nosy inside houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute beauty.
This is Brownsville House – by far one of the finest properties the Greater Manchester housing market has to offer at the moment.
This is Brownsville House, in one of Stockport’s most sought-after suburbs / Credit: Jackson-Stops
Built in 1868, estate agents describe Brownsville House as being a ‘modern classic in a Victorian frame’, as it’s a true credit to the current owners that the home feels elevated in every sense of the word.
Situated at the end of a private driveway on a prestigious tree-lined road in Heaton Moor – one of Stockport‘s most sought-after suburbs, loved by families for being close to amenities, good local schools, and connections to Manchester city centre – this five-bedroom semi is has retained so many ornate period features throughout, while still potentially being one of the most stunningly refurbished homes in a very long time.
Just some of the stand-out features this incredible property boasts include soaring proportions, panel mouldings, a grand staircase, stained glass, Ted Todd cashmere herringbone flooring, and an utterly stunning bespoke kitchen.
The property is just as stunning outside as it is in / Credit: Jackson-Stops
The property has five bedrooms set over two storeys, including a principal suite with oak-framed wardrobes and an amber marble vanity, as well a number of pristine bathrooms with antique bronze and nickel finishes.
Stepping outside, you’ll find manicured lawns, a terrace with an open fireplace in the centre, the original summer house – which is now a study – and off-road parking for several vehicles.
Brownsville House is currently on the market with Alderley Edge-based estate agents, Jackson-Stops, for a Guide Price of £2.35 million, and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the property company to arrange a viewing.
Or you could just take the cheaper route instead and have a nosy on Rightmove HERE.
Featured Image – Jackson-Stops
Property
‘Rare and glamorous’ 1930s house in Salford given Grade II listing
Daisy Jackson
A ‘rare and glamorous’ house in Salford has caught the attention of Historic England, who’ve given it a Grade II listing.
The beautiful 1930s home is in the Streamlined Moderne design, a predecessor to mid-century modern but with a lot of style similarities.
From its arched doorways and parquet floors, to its lavish wall panelling and coloured glass, the home has barely changed since it was designed.
And now, Historic England has taken steps to protect the home for future generations, advising the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that it be added to the National Heritage List for England.
Now given Grade II listed status, the home has formally been recognised for its rare design and its probable connection to renowned local architect Joseph Sunlight (yes, he of Sunlight House fame).
26 Old Hall Road in Broughton Park, Salford, was built in 1935 and is a striking example of the international Streamlined Moderne style, with a largely intact 1930s interior.
Design features include a dramatic double-height entrance hall, sweeping staircase and balconied gallery, plus wide, arched sliding doors that allow the main rooms to be combined into a single space, in keeping with the free-flowing planning associated with the Modern Movement.
The distinctive front door of the home in Salford. Credit: Historic England Archive, Alun BullBeautiful Streamlined Moderne design inside. Credit: Historic England Archive, Alun BullThe Grade II-listed Salford home has probable connections to Joseph Sunlight. Credit: Historic England Archive, Alun Bull
Historic England has said it’s a ‘notable regional example’ of the Streamlined Moderne style, which was made popular through architectural journals and exhibitions such as the 1934 Empire Exhibition.
As well as the remarkable design features, there are original domestic features like bell pushes and a service bell board in the butler’s pantry, which once summoned staff to different rooms of the house.
As for the Joseph Sunlight connection – the celebrated Manchester-based architect and property developer designed hundreds of houses in the nearby Sedgley Park estate, as well as the South Manchester synagogue in Fallowfield (1913) and the Art Deco office block Sunlight House in Manchester city centre (1932).
Although the architect of 26 Old Hall Road is not formally documented, its design quality and Sunlight’s dominant local presence make him the most likely candidate.
Tom Frater, Regional Director – North Historic England, said: “26 Old Hall Road is a rare and glamorous survival of the Streamlined Moderne style in a suburban setting that has changed remarkably little since the 1930s.
“Its listing recognises both its outstanding design and its probable connection to one of Manchester’s most inventive inter-war architects, Joseph Sunlight.”
Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, Lead Member for Culture, Sports Heritage and Leisure, added: “We are supportive that Historic England has granted 26 Old Hall Road Grade II listed status. It will help to ensure that its unique character is protected for future generations.”
Emily Sergeant -
14th December 2020 
