A proposal has been lodged to bring a vacant former photographic studio at 14-16 Hardman Street in Farnworth back into use as a 15-bedroom residential care home.
The two-storey red-brick building last operated as a photography studio, and it has sat empty in recent years. Previous bids to convert the property into flats and a house in multiple occupation were refused.
Under the new application, the building would be remodelled to accommodate up to 15 residents, including an end-of-life care room. Plans also list shared spaces such as a lounge, dining room, and TV lounge, plus administrative and support areas. Four bedrooms are shown with en-suite facilities, with assisted bathrooms and toilets serving the remaining rooms.
For mason contractors, the masonry scope in a project like this starts with what the plans call out directly. The scheme stays within the existing footprint, includes reinstating original window openings, and calls for alterations that improve natural light and outlook for residents. That puts the focus on careful brickwork around openings, clean lines at jambs and heads, and tight integration with new interior work such as staircases and lift additions.
The application also proposes a lift, new staircases, and a wheelchair-accessible entrance ramp. Outdoor space for residents is planned on land to the side of the building, with secure waste and storage facilities to the rear.
Developers say the site is served by nearby public transport links and local amenities, including Bradford Street Recreation Ground. Bolton Council is set to decide the application at a later date.
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