Bolton's Crompton Place Shopping Mall to be demolished

A popular shopping mall in Bolton, Greater Manchester, is set to be demolished as part of a redevelopment project. Crompton Place, built in 1971, will take 50 weeks to demolish completely. This process will allow for the construction of new facilities, including public performance areas and markets. Bolton Council purchased the shopping center for £14.8 million in 2018 and plans to enhance the town center's appeal by creating a direct link between Victoria Square and Bradshawgate. The council has already relocated leaseholders to enable the demolition to start. Council leader Nick Peel stated that the demolition would mark a significant change for the town center, showing the council's commitment to local development. The council is currently looking for a developer to transform the area after the demolition is complete. Crompton Place has seen its last tenant close, with a watch repair shop shutting its doors on March 1. The council is working with CBRE to find a development partner and aims to create a high-quality mixed-use space in the area. The retail landscape in the UK has been changing, with many stores closing due to declining sales and the rise of online shopping. Recent predictions suggest around 17,350 retail sites may shut down this year as businesses struggle with rising costs and changing consumer behavior.