A FORMER discount store could be turned into an indoor climbing centre.

The empty unit at Central Retail Park, in Manchester Road, used to be Poundworld until it closed in August 2018.

An application has been submitted by the owners of the retail park to change the use of the building from retail to 'assembly and leisure'.

According to planning agents Quod, the most likely tenant for the building is international climbing and activity centre chain Clip 'n Climb, after the business expressed a 'firm interest' in the disused unit.

In a planning statement, Tim Rainbird from Quod said: "Clip ‘n Climb has expressed firm interest of occupying Unit 2A. Clip ‘n Climb is an international business providing indoor climbing and leisure experiences for public."

There are currently more than 260 Clip 'n Climb centres around the world, in six continents. As well as indoor climbing centres, the company also owns other activity centres including Velocity Trampoline Park in Wigan and Sky High Adventure in Droylsden.

If Clip 'n Climb takes over the building, it could create ten jobs for 'local people'.

Mr Rainbird also spoke about the socio-economic benefits that such a development could bring.

He added: "On average, Clip ‘n Climb employee the equivalent of 10 full-time employees for each facility. The majority of these job opportunities will be available to local people.

"In addition to the jobs within the store itself, other employment opportunities will be created. This would include jobs created by the unit fit out and future maintenance.

"In addition, the proposed development would result in the occupation of an otherwise vacant building in a prominent location within Bolton Town Centre, that will also result in additional investment into the local economy."