Property developers Bluemantle has unveiled the heritage plans for Rivington Chase, its £262m redevelopment scheme of the former Horwich Loco Works near Bolton.

After extensive consultation with the local community and key stakeholders, the plans for a heritage and community core have been put forward by North West architects Cass Associates.

The proposed plans include several initiatives to celebrate the history and heritage of the Loco Works and provide local people with a destination combining community, educational, retail, leisure, health and well-being amenities.

Mark Caldwell, managing director of Bluemantle, said: “Throughout the development of Rivington Chase, we have worked closely with the wider community to ensure Rivington Chase commemorates the heritage and special history of the Loco Works.

“I believe that these heritage and community core plans do just that, and also provide a range of amenities and open spaces to be enjoyed by the whole community and for generations to come.”

Two historic Loco Works buildings will be restored to their former glory under the proposal. the Millwrights shop will transform into a mix of a heritage venue, community health and well-being centre and a retail food and drink hall, and the former Pattern Makers building will be renovated into a 166-space multi-storey car park within the existing structure.

Across the 187-acre site, there will be a Rivington Chase heritage trail that allows the public to retrace the steps of the thousands of workers who passed through the Loco Works on a daily basis. It will begin at the existing war memorial and entrance to Rivington House and adjacent Stores Buildings – two of the original Loco Works buildings. Visitors will be able to sample the offerings from the community, leisure and retail space set to be housed under the existing arches of Rivington House.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council added: “It’s great to see the plans being put forward to keep and develop the heritage of the old Loco Works as part of the new development. This was always an important part of the plans when the council supported the site to deliver a brownfield site and attract developers.

“Horwich has a proud history as one of the major railway towns of the country and it’s important this heritage is celebrated. Open spaces, leisure and community services are also key to the whole development and we’re delighted that these plans highlight the area’s past history, and link it to the surrounding, natural environment by creating new public green spaces.”

Rivington Chase has been a two-phase project. Bellway Homes built 104 homes on the site in 2019.