Since the advent of online shopping, retail destinations have had to evaluate their place in the retail industry and take steps to make themselves more appealing to consumers. The majority of shoppers now seek a lot more from their local shopping centre, and so leisure aspects have become increasingly important in the shopping experience.
This is something that has been recognised by the managers of Crompton Place Shopping Centre, who this week submitted plans to local authority Bolton Council regarding the creation of a 1,300 seat cinema and four family friendly restaurants. If approved, the new leisure facility will be located on the first floor of Crompton Place and will therefore assist in lowering the site’s vacancy rates, as the cinema would fill a large, currently unoccupied unit.
Malcolm Angus, the facility’s manager, confirmed that an unnamed popular cinema operator has already approached the shopping centre’s management stating its interest in taking over the leisure aspect of the development, and as a result talks are now taking place.
He continued; “Crompton Place is located in the very heart of Bolton town centre and the development will act as a major catalyst to increase dwell time which is good news for everyone.
“The aim of our new, multi-million pound development is to create a new leisure complex for our loyal shoppers to enjoy.
“It’s encouraging to receive interest from the national occupiers, securing a recognised name will ensure Bolton is in the best position to compete with its neighbouring towns.”
As part of the project, the centre’s nearby car park will also be improved in order to cope with the increased number of visitors and employees expected at Crompton Place after work has been completed.
Although an exact figure has not been released, Mr Angus believes that the addition of the leisure facility will create up to 200 jobs in the local area, as well as aiding local construction firms in meeting profit targets.
He concludes; “Given the scale of the investment and development, we estimate that more than 200 jobs could be created for the town.
“We believe that it will be a boost, not only for the shopping centre, but for the community of which we are an integral part.
“We are committed to bring the best possible leisure facility to Bolton.”
While preliminary blueprints have been submitted to the local planning authority, it is not known when they will be considered. However, with conditions in consumer disposable income looking considerably rosier than during the past few years, quick action may be required in order to capitalise upon the improving economy of the northern town.
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