Housing bosses behind the multi-million pound regeneration of Bolton's Globe Works Mill are planning an even bigger development in the town centre - complete with 500 flats.
Yorkshire-based developer Empire Property is coming to the end of a £24m transformation of one of the borough's most striking mills - Globe Works, between Bridgeman Place and Lower Bridgeman Street.
Empire built 150 'Manhattan-style' apartments in the converted mill, many of which have already been snapped up.
The developer has now announced plans to add another major living complex, expected to cost even more.
Empire is yet to reveal the exact location of the would-be development, but says it has 'acquired a second site in the town near to the Globe Works mill island' and construction could start as early as the beginning of next year if the plans are approved.
The managing director of Empire, Paul Rothwell, said: "When we first visited Globe Works Mill with a view to purchasing it, I felt sad that this amazing landmark building was being left to rot.
“This is a gateway site and deserved to be preserved. And what a fantastic way to bring people into this area of the town.
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"We have kick-started the regeneration of this part of Bolton and now that we have the opportunity to develop the nearby site, we will be extending the reach of the town centre, creating a new community. It’s really exciting.”
The proposed development will be the third on Empire's books. Along with Globe Works, the company also converted of the six-storey Sun Alliance House building in Bradshawgate into 81 flats.
The plans have been welcomed by Bolton council's regeneration boss, Coun Martyn Cox, who was 'delighted' to hear about the proposals.
He said: "500 flats is a pretty big investment and will take a large amount of capital. What is great about private sector investment is that they come in and acquire land and they do not require support from the local authority.
"These are the sorts of investments we want to see in Bolton."
