The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr David Chadwick, “cut the ribbon” (5/11) to mark the official opening of Halliwell Post Office at its new location - Claremont House, 263 Halliwell Road, Bolton, BL1 3PE.
A once derelict MOT station has been razed to the ground and replaced by a great-looking building called Claremount House, with three shops and flats above.
The major project to transform this part of Halliwell Road was carried out by very experienced postmaster, Max Matadar and his daughter, Ameera Matadar, who has set up and managed several of their family’s shops.
At Claremont House there is now a convenience store and Post Office that have opened today. A launderette and estate agents service will open very soon.
Mayor of Bolton, Cllr David Chadwick, said: “I was born in Morris Green, Bolton, where my parents ran a confectionery shop, so, I am delighted to be here today supporting retailer, Max Matadar and his daughter Ameera who have done a great job with this project.
“A Post Office is vital to a community here today to be performing the official opening of Halliwell Road Post Office and convenience store as well as two more shops and new accommodation too.
“It’s great that this first-class looking Post Office and convenience store have opened before the busy Christmas period. This redevelopment is a big boost to this part of Bolton.”
The first priority was to open the convenience store and Post Office as the previous branch at 450 Halliwell Road, Bolton, BL1 8AN, was closing due to the resignation of the postmaster.
Max Matadar heard last year about the vacancy to take on Halliwell Road Post Office and decided to look for new premises. He spotted the opportunity to redevelop the disused site, which gave him more scope for an exciting retail and residential project.
Postmaster Max Matadar, said: “This was an ugly, derelict site, and people have been really pleased with what we have done. They think the location for the Post Office is fantastic and they really like the look of the brand-new building and all it has to offer with the Post Office and convenience store in one shop and a launderette and estate agents alongside.”
At the new Halliwell Road Post Office location there are three serving positions: two screened and one open plan. The same products and services are available as before.
Opening hours are Monday to Saturday: 8am – 6pm.
This means the branch is open 70 hours a week. This is an extra 13 hours of Post Office service a week including Saturday afternoon, earlier opening and later closing. This makes it more convenient for customers to visit.
There is dedicated parking at the front and the rear of the new premises and time restricted roadside parking nearby.
Victoria Allsop, Post Office Area Change Manager, said: “We know how important a Post Office is to a community and we are delighted to have maintained service to the Halliwelll Road area of Bolton and at wonderful looking new premises and longer opening hours. It’s great news for the area.”