Proposed Bolton Evening News Offices and Printworks

The continued expansion of the business during the 1880s had forced upon the attention of the firm the question of more accommodation. Alterations had been made at Mawdsley Street from time to time; and the premises on the north side of Infirmary Street (now Court Chambers) had been secured and adapted partly for offices and partly for printing purposes. But these additions were unequal to the demands, and besides much waste and inconvenience were caused in the supervision a business in two buildings separated public street and plot of land. A large and central site was wanted, on which offices and works designed for the purposes required could erected. Such a site was found what was known as the Old Shambles, with a frontage to Mealhouse Lane. The services Mr. Haselden (then a rising architect in the town, whose early decease was great misfortune) were engaged, and plans were prepared by him for a structure unique design. It was to be a printing works in a lofty arcade, with a local Chancery-Lane Deposit in the basement, and other original features. On Mr. Haselden’s death the work passed to Messrs. Bradshaw and Gass; and Mr. Tillotson and Mr. Bradshaw visited the most modern and best-equipped printing works in the Kingdom, and the ideas obtained were embodied in matured plans. [Bolton Evening News - Tuesday 19 March 1907 page 3]