20,000 jobs in blueprint for the future (From Leigh Journal)

20,000 jobs in blueprint for the future

11:44am Tuesday 13th November 2007 in

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AMBITIOUS plans have been announced to transform Bolton into a "modern 21st century town" attracting £300 million in investment and creating 20,000 jobs.

A 10-year plan unveiled by Bolton Council will see the town "step out of the shadow of Manchester" by ploughing huge sums of money into the "Bolton Innovation Zone".

The zone is 67 hectares to the west of the town centre which will be the hub of major improvements and expansions to Bolton University, the public transport network and the town's retail and leisure industries.

Cllr Ebrahim Adia, the council's executive member for development, said: "These are exciting times for Bolton and we are taking full advantage of the opportunities offered to us.

"The regeneration of the town will attract £1 billion in public and private sector investment, as well as creating almost 20,000 new jobs.

"It's Bolton's time to become a modern 21st century town and step out of Manchester's shadow to reclaim its rightful position as one of the Manchester city region's economic leaders."

The main elements of the zone include the expansion of the university and the new joint location of Bolton Community College and Bolton Sixth Form College.

The council hopes this will create jobs in creative industries and digital media.

There will also be major investment in the planned bus and rail interchange, as well as new healthcare facilities.

The plans also include the development of a Cultural Quarter around Le Mans Crescent.

That part of the plan will see enhancements to existing buildings and facilities, along with the creation of bars, clubs, restaurants and shops, green spaces, public squares and a performance space.

Cllr Adia said: "The Innovation Zone and Cultural Quarter will transform the face of Bolton while retaining its architectural heritage."

The prospectus for the Bolton Innovation Zone was launched at the town's Developers' Forum last Friday, which attracted more than 100 members of the development industry.