Chris Gee

Bolton Council approved multimillion‑pound plans to restore the Grade II listed Rock Hall, backed by £4.5 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project includes a major extension housing community, educational and heritage facilities, with planning officers concluding its public benefits outweigh impacts on the Green Belt and the listed structure. Councillors expressed unanimous support, citing heritage preservation, community value and the risk of losing funding. The development will transform the long‑vacant building into a community heritage hub with improved public access and activities.