Bolton Library Refurbishment wins Regeneration and Conservation Project of the Year

We’re delighted to announce that Bolton Library Restoration and Refurbishment has won the Regeneration and Conservation Award at the North West Regional Construction Awards 2025

Built in the 1930s and part of the wider Bolton Museum, Archives and Aquarium, Bolton Library was restored to it’s former splendour as part of a programme of town centre regeneration projects that were funded by Town Centre Levelling Up Funding, and delivered through the Strategic Partnership between Bolton Council and Clear Futures. The library service has already seen a dramatic increase in usage since reopening, with new and old visitors being attracted from a wider demographic. The new cafe area is supporting footfall not just to the library, but to the museum and aquarium as well, and is becoming a focal meeting point for local people. 

In announcing the award TV personality Lucy Meacock said, ‘Whilst the competition was very strong in this category, judges were unanimous in their choice for a project that has not only modernised and lovingly restored a building back to it’s former glory, but has produced a facility that is having an incredibly positive impact upon the community.”

Councillor Akhtar Zaman, Deputy Leader, Bolton Council said “Regeneration is not just about bricks and mortar, it is about improving the lives of our residents by offering better services, experiences, and opportunities. The newly renovated Bolton Library is a perfect example of this, creating a modern, versatile, and welcoming space that offers something for all ages.”

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Nadeem Ayub, said “It’s really important that we support local people and provide accessible services for all, increasing opportunities and helping to give residents a better quality of life. The new library is the perfect central hub for students, residents, visitors and new businesses with brand new innovative facilities and a new café to enjoy.”

On winning the award, Dr Adrian Mcloughlin, Head of Capital Projects at Bolton Council said “Well done to Sam Elliot and her amazing Library and Museum team, and a huge thank you to our fantastic partner Clear Futures for their support and shared ambition throughout the project. A true example of what public sector collaboration can achieve. We are proud to be putting Bolton on the map for excellence in construction and community impact.”

Keith Edwards, Clear Futures Partnership Director commented “This award is testament to the hard work, the vision, the dedication and the determination of an entire team, who worked together to secure £23m of Town Centre Levelling Up Funding for four projects, including the restoration of the Grade II listed Le Mans library building. Thanks to the incredible work of our delivery partners including Robertson Construction, The Creative Core and JMA Architects we have since created a facility that has enhanced the buildings rich heritage in a way that reflects the changing ways in which communities use their local libraires for learning, creativity, health & wellbeing, and digital inclusion.  This is a project we are all immensely proud of.”  

Find out more: our strategic partnership with Bolton Council

Clear Futures and Bolton Council have been working in partnership since 2019 to boost the town centre’s role as a key player in the Greater Manchester economy. This is coupled with a wider aspiration to attract more high-growth companies that will create the additional jobs, knowledge, skills and technology needed to compete in a global economy.

See what we’ve achieved