Deansgate Gardens
- Sector
- Residential
- Location
- Bolton
- Year
- 2025
- Client
- Placefirst
- Architect
- Levitt Bernstein Architects
- Structural Engineer
- Alan Johnston Partnership Ltd
- Quantity Surveyor
- Walker Sime
- Value
- £35m
Deansgate Gardens in Bolton stands as a strong example of how thoughtful design, collaborative delivery and sustainable practice can reshape urban living.
Placefirst’s river-side Built to Rent (BTR) development, Deansgate Gardens comprises 167 long-term rental homes, including 111 apartments across two blocks and 56 townhouses. Pedestrian-friendly streets, a public square, rooftop terraces, communal courtyards, improved roads and resident parking all complement the development, supporting a wider placemaking strategy in the heart of Bolton.
Driving Value Through Innovation
Deansgate Gardens uses a combination of structural steel, lightweight steel and timber framing in its design. From the outset, we worked closely with Placefirst’s design team to implement value engineering solutions and design optimisation, engaging our specialist supply chain early to unlock cost and programme efficiencies.
A key innovation involved replacing traditional masonry with light gauge steel and timber framing for the townhouses. This accelerated the programme and reduced weather risk, eased logistics and minimised material storage requirements.
Overcoming Complex Site Challenges
The town centre location of Deansgate Gardens gave our team multiple challenges, including tight site access and significant environmental considerations. To enhance biodiversity, we implemented an enabling works package involving the breakout and extension of the riverbed, construction of a gabion wall and aquatic planting, all of which was done in collaboration with the Environment Agency.
As a brownfield site, remediation was needed, including obstruction clearance and construction of piling mats. We also built a new substation base to relocate a live electrical substation, switched power supply safely and transferred the unit to ready the site for foundation works.
Social Value and Community Engagement
Our team’s delivery of Deansgate Gardens was praised by the Consider Constructors Scheme (CCS), which awarded the team a score of 45 out of 45 during a site inspection. Reflecting excellence in community respect, environmental protection and workforce wellbeing, feedback from CCS praised the team’s engagement with our neighbours and our investment in ensuring we positively contributed to the placemaking vision for Deansgate Gardens.
“This development is a prime example of how we work collaboratively with our partners and local authorities to meet the growing demand for quality, long term rental homes, and contribute to the overall renewal of a place.”