Muse, the Morgan Sindall-owned developer that has led Stockport's redevelopment, has been picked to lead Bolton's £210 Church Wharf project, the centrepiece of £1B regeneration plans.

The decision comes 10 years after Manchester developer Ask and Cheshire-based partner Bluemantle won planning permission for 340K SF of offices, a hotel, cinema and 720 apartments on a 13-acre site on the banks of the River Croal. Although part of the site was cleared in 2014 the development has not taken place.

The draft Supplementary Planning Document reduces the number of apartments to 400, proposes an "iconic tower" at Folds Road/Bow Street and re-affirms the emphasis on employment uses on the site.

The document will provide design guidance for the redevelopment of the area, which includes land bounded by St. Peters Way, the River Croal, Manor Street, Bank Street and Folds Road.

Muse appeared to hint that the scheme may need rethinking.

"We are at the start of a long journey — at this stage all options will be analysed and considered and we will be working closely with the council to get the plans right for the town. Local residents, businesses and stakeholders will also be consulted as proposals emerge," Muse Director Phil Mayall said.

Muse is aiming to submit a planning application by the end of the year.