The Bolton News
29/05/2009

COUNCILLORS have heaped praise on an “exciting” scheme to build a community centre within an historic church.

Members of Bolton Council’s planning committee unanimously passed the plans to install three pods within All Souls’ Church in Astley Street, Bolton.

The Churches Conservation Trust had applied for permission to remove pews and the nave floor and replace them with the innovative pods. The scheme at the church, which dates from the late 19th century and has been empty for 23 years, is believed to be the first such scheme in the country.

Cllr John Walsh said: “This is an exciting scheme which will help to preserve a unique building.”

Cllr Barbara Ronson said she was delighted the plans would finally become reality. She said: “I first heard of these plans about six years ago and I actually tried to persuade the Churches Conservation Trust to do something similar for Holy Trinity Church within my ward.”

The pods, once installed, will house meeting spaces, consultation rooms, conferences spaces, library, exhibition space, classrooms and a gym.

Work on the £3.6 million scheme is due to start early next year, with the centre opening to the public in summer 2011.