Full planning permission was granted for the scheme by Bolton Council’s planning committee last week (April 18).

Homes will be a mixture of apartments and town houses in the Croal Valley part of the town centre.

The residential scheme, from Bolton-based company Forshaw Land & Property Group Ltd, will be built on land fronting St Georges Road between Bark Street and Back Bark Street.

Croal Valley is one of Bolton Council’s five intervention areas within its £1.2bn town centre masterplan.

The scheme includes fully equipped gymnasiums, private cinemas, residents’ lounges and a roof terrace.

Managing director of Forshaw, Lyndon Forshaw, said: “I am very pleased with the outcome today.

It will provide much needed new homes for people in Bolton and further afield.

“This project will set a new benchmark for high quality residential schemes in Bolton town centre.

“It will provide much needed new homes for people in Bolton and further afield.

“The location of our scheme is an important gateway to the town which has been derelict for years and we are aiming to start work towards the end of the year.”

Councillors have also approved plans for a £150m neighbourhood in Church Wharf today – the first two town centre masterplan schemes to be granted approval.

This is another piece in our masterplan jigsaw slotting into place.

Director of Place, Gerry Brough, added: “This is another piece in our masterplan jigsaw slotting into place.

“This scheme – like Church Wharf – will rejuvenate a key gateway into the town centre, which needs significant regeneration.

“It will also bring much needed housing to a brownfield site in the heart of Bolton, bringing more people into our town and creating jobs which will help the local economy.

“It demonstrates yet more investor confidence in our vision and strategy.”