(Image: Newsquest)Originally opened as the Bolton Arndale in the early 1970s, the shopping centre became one of the town's busiest retail destinations before being renamed Crompton Place in 1989 in honour of Bolton-born inventor Samuel Crompton. Bolton says goodbye as Crompton Place demolition begin (Image: Newsquest)Bolton Council bought the 280,000 sq ft site in 2018 for around £15 million as part of its long-term vision to regenerate the town centre. "Crompton Place will be a catalyst for further town centre investment, building on the many projects we have already delivered successfully." Tony Clarke, contracts director at Rhodar, said: "Rhodar is delighted to be working with Bolton Council as works officially commence on the demolition of Crompton Place. Bolton Council chief executive Sue Johnson said reopening the route between Victoria Square and Bradshawgate would create a more connected town centre before the longer-term redevelopment begins.