Deansgate Conservation Area - Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council

Fig.29: A neutral modern building next
to the listed Victoria Hall in Knowsley
Street, one of several such buildings
on the west side of the street.
5.3 General condition
The condition of historic buildings within the conservation area is generally good, with
most buildings appearing to be in active use and benefiting from regular maintenance.
The use of some buildings has changed as the pattern of economic activity in the area
has evolved.
Rear yard areas are often hidden from view, but car parking and the management of
waste and wheeled bin storage is increasingly intrusive in side streets and views into
rear yards.
The public realm is in need of repair and enhancement, particularly in heavily used
pedestrian areas; this will be addressed by the Public Realm Implementation
Framework.
5.4 Pressure for change
The proposed development of current gap sites around the edge of the conservation
area, particularly north of Deansgate will change the character of the area. Approval has
been granted for the Central Street development, which will result in the loss of some
buildings fronting Deansgate, but will bring vitality to the bleak area to the north.
Commercial pressure for increased advertising is becoming visually intrusive in some
areas. The use of temporary advertising such as plastic banners, particularly by bars
and leisure businesses is adding clutter in the streetscene and obscuring attractive
frontages.
Changes to waste management standards are resulting in large wheeled bins which are
hard to conceal unless accessible rear yards are available.
Disabled access standards mean that some businesses will need to alter entrances with
steps on some historic buildings, or make other reasonable alterations. In the public
realm, future enhancement schemes will need to comply with the latest standards and
guidance.
July 2008 26