Improvement works have started in Farnworth to create an inclusive town centre neighbourhood.

Social mission developers Capital&Centric have kick-started construction to deliver a design-led community with homes, café bars, shops and green outdoor hangout spaces.

Consented this year by Bolton Council, Capital&Centric's re-boot – named Farnworth Green - is backed in part by the Government's Future High Street Fund, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund and Bolton Council’s District Centres Fund.

It's all about breathing new life into the 60s precinct site and ushering in a new chapter of town centre living, with family homes alongside spaces for an eclectic mix of independent operators. Initial demolition of the outdated shops is happening first, with construction of the new buildings following early next spring.

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The major milestone rounds off a year of sustained growth for the Manchester-based developers, who’ve this year got underway on anchor town centre projects in the likes of Stockport (Weir Mill) and Stoke-on-Trent (Goods Yard).

Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital&Centric, said: "Our intention from the off was to design a really liveable town centre in Farnworth, one where new residents can forge a future and existing locals can spend quality time as a community. It’s all part of bringing quality design and finishes you usually expect from city centres into Greater Manchester’s suburban towns.

"That comes with its own challenges, least of all the current economic climate and overcoming rising costs across the board. But with our track record and the continued support from the Council, Combined Authority and Government, we’ll face the challenges head on to deliver something standout for Farnworth."

Set for completion in 2024 construction is expected to create jobs and apprenticeships for local young people.