A HUGE new apartment block could be built in the town centre if plans are approved.

An outline planning application has been submitted by Empire Property Concepts Ltd to build an apartment block consisting of 394 apartments on land in Bradshawgate, close to the Trinity Street/Manchester Road junction.

The site is located in the Trinity Quarter and is currently a mixture of vacant buildings, including a former car showroom, and other demolished buildings.

The site is directly opposite to the Trinity Gateway Project, which was approved late last year, including a 20-storey tower multi-storey car park and luxury hotel, made up of 144 apartments.

It is also very close to the ‘Globe Works’ development for 150 luxury flats in Bridgeman Street.

This development is set to be 10 storeys high, if approved, fitting in with the other developments in the area.

A design and access statement within the planning application states four “key design objectives” for the site.

It says the plans will offer comprehensive redevelopment of the two large vacant parcels of land, enhancement of public amenity spaces, provision of active frontages along Bradshawgate and Shiffnall Street and potential to deliver landmark development adjacent to a gateway location.

Deputy leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Martyn Cox, said these plans and the other developments in the area, were a positive sign for Bolton.

He said: “Some land is a lot easier to develop on than others for all kinds of reasons.

“This area is an example of where developers can make plans and provide them more easily.

“Lots of companies have come forward with big developments for Bolton in this area which can only be a good thing,” he added.

“Even with everything that’s gone on we were always confident that people would come forward with ambitious plans as there are lots of places to build and they will get support from the council.

“Modern housing in that area does make sense and will be very attractive for developers and buyers due to its easy access to transport hubs.”

“It is close to the centre of Bolton but also a short journey on the train to Manchester and beyond.”

Empire Property Concepts Ltd were approached for a comment.