A ONCE-bustling shopping hub has close its doors for the final time, as the last remaining shop locks up after nearly two decades of service.
TimePiece, a family-run watch repair shop, has been the final business standing in Crompton Place, which first opened its doors in Bolton in 1971.
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The store, which has been in Crompton Place since 2006, has seen a number of other businesses come and go until it shut shop on Saturday.
Now, it’s time for TimePiece to find a new location, as the shopping venue is set to be demolished.
Steven Warren, manager of TimePiece, told The Bolton News: “We’ve been here in Crompton Place for 19 years now, we’ve seen other businesses come and go in the time that we’ve been situated here.
“We’re the last tenants standing, apart from those along the front of the store facing Victoria Square.
“It’s sad really, we’re a family business but we hope to find another location in Bolton so that we can continue to operate.”
Warren thanked his loyal customer base for their continued support, adding: “I want to give a massive thank you to all our loyal customers for their support over the last 20 years or so.
“We appreciate it, we have lots of nice, pleasant and loyal customers and we appreciate their service. Our customers have really kept us going.”
Crompton Place has been a shadow of its former self in recent years.
Once hailed as the “Diamond of the North,” the shopping centre has seen a significant decline in foot traffic as online shopping boomed and traditional high street stores like Marks & Spencer closed their doors.
The site is now a “ghost town,” with many shops boarded up and empty.
Bolton Council bought Crompton Place for £14.8 million in 2018, but its struggles reflect a wider issue across UK town centres.
Locals have voiced frustration over the council’s slow response to the changing retail landscape, with some questioning why more wasn’t done sooner.
Councillor Martyn Cox said: “The town hall’s reaction could have been quicker. They were slow to see the winds of change.”
“There is a future for town centres, there’s a big future for Bolton town centre but it’s not as it was in the 70s and 80s when retail was booming.”
While the future of Crompton Place may be bleak, Bolton’s town centre has plans for a revival.
The council is set to invest £1 billion into redeveloping the area, focusing on housing, green spaces, and a hotel, with hopes of attracting shoppers and residents back to the town.
The historic market has already been modernised with a new food hall and outdoor area.
“There’s a big, transformative plan in place, but it will take time,” Cox explained.
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“In 18 months, you’ll see lots of cranes, lots of diggers, lots of development going on.
“People have such fond memories of Bolton when it was a retail destination, but we can’t bring that back.
“The futures of town centres are different now.”
Despite the setbacks, Cox remains optimistic, pointing to the town’s history of regeneration.
However, the planned redevelopment faces setbacks as Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove blocked Westminster funding for the project.
Councillor Cox said: “It was frustrating. We will express our disappointment but we’re not going to get embittered. The people of Bolton have been very patient regarding the town centre.
“They’ve had a number of knockbacks. Covid hit us hard. But it’s now time to stop talking and start delivering.”
