MARKET Place boss Tim Vaughan unveiled the ambitious plans for the shopping centre at a meeting of some of the Bolton's young professionals.

Mr Vaughan, chief executive of the shopping centre's owners, the Moorgarth Group, gave a talk at the inaugural young professionals curry club, which was held at the Market Place.

Guests were told of the latest developments in the £22 million scheme, which Mr Vaughan hopes will rejuvenate the town centre and bring in daytime and night time trade to Bolton town centre.

They were also given a tour of the newly refurbished Victorian vaults at the centre, with bosses already confirming chicken giant Nando's and Italian restaurant Prezzo are set to take residence on site.

Speaking to The Bolton News, Mr Vaughan said the identity of more restaurants and retailers set to be located at the shopping centre will be revealed in the new year.

He said: "It is about trying to get people interested in the town, and people like the professionals at this curry club, to come out after work and spend time in the town centre.

"It is a community development, and it is something that has to be attractive to the local population. We want it to be a warmer place for people to visit and spend more time there."

Mr Vaughan said the shopping centre was already experiencing successes, with the recently opened New Look store reporting positive footfall and trade, and the Zara store being the firm's best trading store across the UK.

Shopping centre bosses have previously revealed that independent firm The Light Cinemas will operate a new cinema on site, which as well as showing the latest blockbusters will show live broadcasts of plays and other shows.

Mr Vaughan also said the new cinema complex will include a play area, featuring climbing equipment and crazy golf amongst other items.

He also moved to praise the support offered to the development by Bolton Council, and said it was an exciting time to be in the town.

Mr Vaughan added: "There is about £1 billion of investment into Bolton at the moment, taking into account the University, the interchange, the student flats and other projects. People are starting to take notice of the town."