A NEW adventure playground and crazy golf course is taking shape within a Bolton shopping centre.

While readers may be aware of the new restaurants, bars and cinema that are opening in The Market Place as part of a multi-million redevelopment — work has also been gathering pace to create a fun zone for kids of all ages.

The former loading bay at the shopping centre is being transformed into a leisure area, which will contain the adventure playground alongside an 18-hole crazy golf course.

Also under construction is a 43 metre model railway, which was created in Italy and is now being put together at the site.

There will also be a café and bar for parents to rest their legs while youngsters have fun on the new facilities and a special party zone which can be booked for events.

Market Place manager Nikki Wilson-Cook said: “We think it is really important to give people choice and variety and that includes different leisure activities. We will have an adventure playground and railway for the kids and a really good 18-hole golf course for everyone and they are being made to a really good standard.

“We are very excited about the shops, bars and restaurants opening up but it is crucial we offer something else as well.”

The golf course — which will have a jungle theme — is being created by HM Adventure Golf firm and designed by Dawn Howell. She said: “It will include fallen tree trunks, fountains and carvings and other features.

“All of the 18-holes will be different and we think the whole thing will be really special.”

The leisure and activity area forms part of the wider £19 million redevelopment of the Market Place by owners Moorgarth, which has included the refurbishing of the Victorian vaults beneath the centre.

The leisure area will be accessed by entering the vaults and heading past the Great Ale bar and towards the former loading area. It is expected to open mid July.