'Boutique' four-star hotel plans in Greater Manchester town

A former solictors’ office in Bolton town centre is set to be transformed into a 26-bed ’boutique hotel’. Plans have been submitted in the last week for a ‘high quality conversion’ of the former Russell & Russell premises on Wood Street to create a four-star hotel.

A design access statement in support of the plans on behalf of Barking based applicant Silkhouse Hotel Ltd, said: “The building has now been vacant for approaching two years. “While use as office accommodation is still viable demand for office premises, particular for such a large building, is low and alternative uses must be considered.

“Availability of hotel space in the town centre is currently low and it is felt that the hotel use will be suitable for the area. “While the building is currently in reasonable condition, investment is needed to secure the longevity of the building and to maintain the heritage value of the street and immediate surroundings.

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“A high quality conversion to create a new boutique hotel should therefore by looked upon favourably. “The project will also create wider economic and regeneration benefits for the town.”

The report said that at present there is no parking provision to serve the building. The applicant plans to form a small parking courtyard area at the rear with five parking bays and one disabled parking bay.

The report, added: “Due to the limited number of parking spaces it is intended that the parking area will be for short term use by patrons during check in and check out times. “If residents require parking then they will be expected to use existing parking provision within the town centre.”

The application said the target rating for the hotel will be 4