Bolton council has backed the detailed plans to overhaul the precinct, creating a bustling neighbourhood with nearly 100 new homes and shops built around a new public square and flexible indoor community space.

It paves the way for work to start on site later this summer, with hoardings set to be installed in the coming weeks.

Manchester demolition contractor ADM Regeneration is believed to have the enabling works package.

A new linear park linking to Farnworth Central Park is also planned

The project, led by the Manchester-based social impact developers, is backed by the Government’s Future High Street Fund.

The aim of re-booting Farnworth is to usher in a new era of town centre living in Bolton, by bringing a mix of homes with amenities right on the doorstep.

Adam Higgins, co-founder of Capital & Centric said: “This is not only a game-changer for Farnworth but a blueprint for Greater Manchester towns to adopt.

“It was a challenge set for us by Bolton. We knew whatever we did in Farnworth, we had to redefine the future for generations and think long and hard about the design.”

Located on King Street, the site is a short walk from the train station, and on the doorstep of the refurbished bus station

Higgins added: “The approved plans have got elements of our Manchester projects Kampus, Ducie St Warehouse and Crusader Mill in there – all with the same incredible architecture and amenities.

“That’s not easy to deliver, when the average house price in Farnworth is around £144,000, but we’ve taken a long-term view of value creation and that’s unlocked the whole project.

“Our vision is bold, creative and ambitious but we’ve been inspired by the support from the Council, the Towns Fund and GMCA’s innovative brownfield land fund to help us make it happen.”