Odessa cafe owner says demolition works hit business trade

Alex MacVey, owner of Odessa’s off Victoria Square, said demolition works linked to Crompton Place have affected trade after barriers, excavation work, and noise blocked access outside the café.

The works form part of preparations for the demolition of Crompton Place, including electrical diversion work beneath the street.

How work looked previously. (Image: NQ)

Mr McVey said: “If we didn’t have those regulars, people would be assuming that we’d shut down.

“We were basically told to move our tables and chairs a little bit further down, but we weren’t told about it properly.”

“We’ve lost quite a lot of money from it.”

He said the business was only told it would need to move its outdoor tables and chairs before the work began, but said the disruption turned out to be much greater than expected.

The café has been unable to use its outdoor seating during the recent warm weather, while heavy machinery and roadworks continued outside.

How work looked previously. (Image: Alex McVey)

Mr McVey added: “We’ve got to thank our regulars for it, they come in and fight their way through for basically a cup of tea and a slice of toast.

“We might be the only people that they speak to that day.”

Mr McVey said barriers at one stage made access difficult, particularly for older customers and people using mobility aids.

Where the entrance is more accessible now, a barrier with pulled-up flooring was blocking it off before.

He said there was effectively only enough room for one person to pass at a time, making entering and leaving the café awkward.

Works near St Andrew’s Court concerning electrics. (Image: NQ)

Mr McVey added: “The message is, we’re still here, and we’re still doing all the traditional food like we’ve always done.

He said he hopes people will continue supporting independent businesses while work continues in the town centre.

The Crompton Place demolition is set to take place in 2027, after decades of serving shoppers in the town centre, originally called The Arndale.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “Crompton Place is the flagship regeneration scheme in the ongoing transformation of our town centre.

 “Demolition of this outdated and unused building is a necessary step, and while some disruption is inevitable everything is being done to keep this to a minimum.

 “Industry experts Rhodar will use specialist techniques throughout the phased demolition to reduce dust, noise and vibration.

“A thorough engagement plan will keep residents and town centre businesses updated, with contact details available for anyone to ask questions or raise concerns.

“Bolton Council has made a clear commitment to keeping local businesses engaged throughout the process and we hosted more than 200 delegates at a town hall event in March to discuss the plans.

“Local businesses will see immediate benefits from demolition with the opening up of the town centre, the use of newly cleared space for pop-up events and Rhodar’s commitment to spend £1m in the local supply chain.

“More broadly the redevelopment of Crompton Place will support existing town centre businesses by bringing more people to live in the centre, attract visitors and attract further investment.”