Diamond Bus North West has moved into a new head office after taking over and refurbishing a historic building that had been left unused in central Bolton for many years. The ribbon was cut at the re-opening of the former solicitors office on Silverwell Street at a special event. Diamond North West General manager Tony Clegg said that the new headquarters represents a significant investment in the town, particularly in a historic area that has long been blighted by abandoned and derelict buildings: “I think it’s a statement about us and about Bolton as well. We’re not just a bus operator, we want to give back to the town.
“No one else was touching this building, it was derelict for two to three years, it was just another failing building in Bolton town centre. I’m Bolton born and bred so for me this is really part of a two-pronged approach. One is I’m very proud to part of this company especially at this historic moment with the Bee Network coming in but also being able to invest in the town is something I’m really proud of.”
The new head office facility will be used to help to train new drivers from all over the country, with accommodation built in for four people at any one time. The opening event on Friday 3 November was attended by officials from Diamond Bus parent company Rotola, Transport for Greater Manchester and Bolton West MP Chris Green who was on hand to cut the ribbon. “Bolton Council is doing a huge amount of working in reinvigorating the town centre, getting more people living here,” he said. “But it’s fantastic having more people work here and having our old historic buildings, listed buildings brought back to life and its magnificent building as well.”