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Developer and regeneration specialist Watson has secured planning permission from Bolton Council for a mixed-use project for the long-vacant Church Wharf site in the town.

The scheme will deliver 415 new homes, a 130-bedroom hotel and new commercial spaces across a 7.5-acre riverside site near Bolton Parish Church.

The three-phase development will bring a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom flats and houses to the area, with a portion allocated for affordable housing. The scheme will also create space for restaurants, shops, and leisure operators.

The Church Wharf site has sat dormant for decades and is identified as a priority within Bolton’s town centre masterplan. The development is supported by £5m from Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s brownfield housing fund, and follows the council’s provisional agreement to sell the land earlier this year.

Bolton Council leader Nick Peel said: “This is a significant step forward in bringing the work to regenerate Church Wharf to the next stage. Church Wharf is a key development site at a strategic gateway to the town centre, and as work nears completion on projects like Moor Lane and Deansgate Gardens, this marks an exciting new phase in our regeneration masterplan.

“Together with the upcoming demolition of Crompton Place and the recent relocation of Primark, we are now consolidating our retail offer while introducing the right mix of leisure, hospitality and quality residential spaces across our town centre.

“This will also boost market confidence for investment in Bradshawgate, a part of town with enormous potential for regeneration.”

Watson Group director Rob Watson added: “We’re incredibly proud to be moving forward with Church Wharf, a project that represents a major opportunity for the community of Bolton. This development is about creating a new neighbourhood with character and purpose, where people want to live, work, and spend time.

“Beyond bricks and mortar, this project is an investment in long-term value and lasting, positive change. Our mission is to deliver developments with a meaningful legacy, and we’re excited to bring Church Wharf to life.”

Construction is expected to begin before the end of 2025, with phased completion through to 2029. Church Wharf will also complement other major residential projects across Bolton, such as Moor Lane and Deansgate Gardens, supporting a broader shift toward town-centre living and increased investment in infrastructure, amenities and public space, the developer said.

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