PROJECT UPDATE: Work begins on £17m town centre revamp

When does work begin on the extension to Chorley’s Market Walk shopping centre?

In fact preparation work has already begun. Contractor Eric Wright, commissioned by Chorley Council, has started digging to install drainage. The work is taking place on the far side of the Flat Iron car park, close to the corner of Union Street and the bypass. It will also involve removing lamp columns and the island that contains the current Market Walk sign.

What impact will this phase of the work have on visitors to town?

The initial work, to pave the way for the build, is taking up approximately 40 car park spaces but the borough’s council has opened up the Hollinshead Street car park, behind the council’s Union Street office, with 54 spaces to offset this. The authority is also working on introducing more car parking spaces elsewhere in the town centre and details will be revealed in due course.

What happens next?

The next phase of the pre-construction work will start in May when the entire Flat Iron Tuesday market will move to the opposite end of the car park before relocating along Chapel Street, Cleveland Street and Fazakerley Street from June onwards.

What will the make over bring to Chorley?

A six-screen cinema, high street retailers and restaurants and a programme to improve the appearance of the rest of the town’s streets making it more pedestrian-friendly.

When will building begin and how much cash is being poured into the facelift?

It will not start until later this year. The council is investing £17m into the scheme with the aim of revitalising and developing the town’s economy.