'We’re being picky - it can't be filled with vape shops and barbers'

A developer has said it is ‘being picky’ about who moves into the commercial space at a new town centre flagship complex

A town centre’s flagship development of 97 homes is now almost fully-let to residential tenants just 10 weeks after launching.

However, commercial space has been slower to fill, with developers saying they are being choosy about which retail and hospitality businesses can let space at the recently completed Farnworth Green development.

The new town centre area, which has been built on the former site of the town’s market, includes 85 apartments and 12 town-houses. Developer Capital & Centric said demand for homes had been particularly high from key workers, including a large proportion of international doctors and nurses working locally.

Work is continuing to create a residents’ gym, a mini cini, lounge and co-working hub. Tenants can already enjoy shared spaces like a rooftop garden, lounge and co-working hubs, while the new public square outside is set to play host to pop-ups and food events.

The developer said just a handful of apartments still available. Tom Wilmot, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “The level of demand we’ve seen at Farnworth Green has blown us away.

“To have almost all the homes let within 10 weeks is a massive endorsement of what we’re doing here.

“Farnworth Green isn’t just about new homes – it’s about bringing life back to the heart of Farnworth with great places to live, work and hang out.

“We’re being picky about who we let the commercial spaces to – we don’t want to fill it with vape shops and barbers.

“We’re focused on creating a buzzing, independent scene with businesses that bring something special to the neighbourhood.”

The Coffee House was the first business to open at Farnworth Green in February. It is the the second branch in Bolton for the family-run company. Their Bolton outlet is close to the town hall on the corner of Victoria Square.

Another of the businesses already confirmed for the site and set to open within weeks is ‘indie’ bakery and café Cotton. Cotton, known for its coffee and baked goods, is to open a café as well as a dedicated bakery to supply its growing business.

Cotton already have a branch at the Halle St Peters in Ancoats and recently opened a second outlet at Neptune Mill, Chapeltown Street in Manchester city centre. Cotton’s bakery will produce fresh bread and baked treats daily, not just for its Farnworth café but for its wider network.

Local councillor Paul Sanders said that in recent weeks there have been growing comments from the community about the desire to see more businesses to open at Farnworth Green.

He said: “Capital & Centric have said that internal works are currently taking place to create the respective retail and hospitality spaces.

“We’re told that an amenity space/lounge for non residents will be opened shortly on the corner.

“We’re advised that a number of other retailers are continuing talks with Capital & Centric, and that they are doing all they can to attract businesses.

“Bolton Council does not have a role in this letting process or any rates or rents.

“Bolton Council does however, have a role to play in moving forward the community Hub (at the bus station side of the development), and we’ve been told that legal and lease agreements are positively progressing.”