The multi-phase regeneration of the Creams Mill site in Little Lever, Bolton, is making rapid progress, with developer, Watson and Onward Homes, advancing a technically complex scheme that blends affordable housing delivery with substantial infrastructure upgrades – including the reinstatement of a derelict section of the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal, disused since a 1936 breach.
The scheme recently welcomed a delegation of senior leaders from Bolton Council, including Cllr Nick Peel, Leader of the Council, along with senior officers from the regeneration, housing and economic development teams. The group visited the site to observe the construction progress and the ongoing canal reinstatement works.
Cllr Nick Peel, Leader of Bolton Council, commented:
“Watson is a valued partner and a local developer committed to investing in their community. As well as delivering much-needed homes for Bolton residents, the engineering work to restore the canal is a major project that, when complete, will bring lasting value to the borough for everyone to enjoy. Developments like Creams Mill are a great example of how the ongoing regeneration of Bolton extends well beyond the town centre. I look forward to seeing the successful completion of the project.”
Since starting on site, the development has now seen the completion of 37 timber frame plots, with a further nine to follow over the next six weeks. Power connections are being installed in preparation for final fit-outs and handovers.
A five-part pre-formed concrete bridge has also been placed to connect different areas of the site, with road surfacing and brickwork nearing completion. Significant remediation work is also in progress on the lower plots to prepare for further phases.
The canal restoration, a centrepiece of the development, has now progressed to include drainage and ducting infrastructure, road construction over the reinstated canal section, and the initial formation of a new towpath, reconnecting pedestrian routes and celebrating the site’s industrial heritage.
Rob Watson, Director of Watson Homes, added:
“This is a technically ambitious and socially important project for us. Restoring the canal is as much about connecting places as it is about celebrating heritage, making it a significant part of the project, alongside new homes, upgraded infrastructure and local job opportunities. We’re grateful for the continued support from Bolton Council and our partners at Onward as we look forward to continuing our work on Creams Mill and other projects across the borough.”
The first phase of 110 homes at Creams Mill will be offered by Onward in a mix of affordable rent, rent-to-buy and shared ownership options, supporting Bolton’s housing growth strategy and helping local people establish long-term roots in the area. A show home will soon open on site, helping local people get a feel for life at Creams Mill on completion of the project.
Sandy Livingstone, Executive Director of Property at Onward Homes, said:
“Creams Mill is a flagship project for Onward. As long term investors in Bolton, this is a demonstration of what strong local partnerships can achieve. Alongside high-quality affordable housing, designed to remain cost-effective for residents to live in, the project delivers vital regeneration, canal infrastructure and long-term environmental improvements. Working in partnership with Watson once again, we’ll ultimately deliver more than 150 affordable homes at Creams Mill, bring a disused section of the canal network back into public use and open up wider regeneration opportunities in the local area.”
Through a £30,000 investment in its new Skills Talent Centre, Watson is also working in partnership with Bolton Council and Boscow Nursery to train the next generation of construction workers, offering qualifications in plastering, tiling and bricklaying. The broader Creams Mill and Hall Lane programme is forecast to generate over £300,000 in social value through employment, apprenticeships and community investment.
The development is Watson’s fourth scheme with Onward Homes, following successful projects at Mersey Drive in Bury, Lockside Walk in Clayton-le-Moors and Spring Street in Rishton to help local people establish long-term roots in their community.
