Bolton College of Medical Sciences secures approval

The £30m, 81,000 sq ft scheme is set to open in 2022 after securing unanimous backing from Bolton Council.

The facility is a joint venture between the University of Bolton, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, Bolton Council, and Bolton College. It is expected to support around 3,000 students a year, with 1,000 apprentices in health and social care roles.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority has granted £10m to the development through its Skills Capital Fund.

Bolton College of Medical Sciences is part of Bolton Council’s masterplan for Farnworth town centre which is set to launch this summer. It will also form a key part of the council’s “Bolton 2030” vision which has a focus on improving the health and wellbeing of locals and economic prosperity.

Avison Young acted as planning consultant with Box Clever Consulting as the project manager. The strategic brief was developed by Just Ask Scarlett, designs were provided by Associated Architects, and landscape architect Re-Form. The developers will be using the Procure North West framework to help select contractors with procurement now due to get under way.

The designs include plans for two separate buildings, one four and five-storey building that is set to include a teaching and learning space, simulation suites, surgical and acute care environments, café, associated staff and service space, the other a three-and-four storey car park. There are also plans for an outdoor recreational space.

Kondal Reddy Kandadi, deputy vice chancellor of the University of Bolton, said: “We are grateful to Bolton Council for supporting and approving this strategically important planning application for building the Bolton College of Medical Sciences.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Farnworth, Bolton and the whole of Greater Manchester. This will truly transform health education in the region by integrating further and higher education and providing holistic progression routes for students.”

Trish Armstrong-Child, director of nursing & deputy chief executive at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “There is an urgent skills gap nationally in health disciplines and this project will dramatically increase capacity and capability in that area, which is absolutely crucial for developing a sustainable workforce.”

Construction work is set to begin on 2 December.