The vacant former Marks & Spencer building in Bolton town centre ‘lends itself’ to residential use as well as retail, the council leadership has said.
Last week, it was announced that agreement had been reached with the shopping giant about an early surrender of their lease of the building, which runs until 2027.
Bolton Council, who own the building and continue to collect around £1m a year in rent from M&S, said gaining full control of the building was a key factor in paving the way for the demolition of the nearby Crompton Place shopping centre, which is set to take place in early 2025.
The store on Deansgate shut down ten months ago after trading for more than 100 years and has remained empty since. The news about the proposed lease surrender has lead to speculation about the future of the M&S building. Join the Manchester Politics WhatsApp group here It is understood that with large-scale department stores disappearing from the high street, the council concedes it is unlikely the entire building will be ever be used exclusively for retail.
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