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Historic 280ft Victorian Chimney in Bolton Set for Unique Family Home Conversion

Climb to a new home in Bolton's history. This legendary chimney needs repairs but offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to create an extraordinary family home.

There are brick houses, pipes, blue gate, ladder, bicycles, red car and trees at the back.
There are brick houses, pipes, blue gate, ladder, bicycles, red car and trees at the back.

Historic 280ft Victorian Chimney in Bolton Set for Unique Family Home Conversion

A historic 280ft Victorian chimney in Bolton, once climbed by legendary steeplejack Fred Dibnah, is set for a new lease of life. The Grade II-listed Barrow Bridge Chimney, last used in the 1970s, has planning permission for conversion into a unique family home. It's up for auction with a guide price of £300,000.

The chimney, one of Bolton's most iconic sights, requires immediate repairs to its top 15ft and inside brickwork. Fresh investment is needed to halt its deterioration. Despite its disrepair, the chimney holds a special place in the town's history. Fred Dibnah, who climbed it as a teenager, went on to become a national treasure for his chimney demolition and repair work.

Local property developer Steve Parry is planning the conversion. The proposed home would boast three or four bedrooms, sloping glazed walls, steel frames, and nearly 4,000 sq ft of living space. New owners could potentially add extra rooms, a gym, or even a sauna, creating an extraordinary home. The chimney could be transformed into a glass-walled octagonal home with a rooftop garden and sweeping views. Previous attempts at conversion began in 2014 but stalled due to lack of funds.

The auction of the Barrow Bridge Chimney presents an exciting opportunity for a unique living space. With planning permission in place and a vision for its transformation, the chimney's future as a family home looks promising. However, immediate repairs and fresh investment are crucial to preserve its historic structure.

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