Case study

£20 million transformation for Bolton’s health and social care

With £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund, Bolton will have a new College of Medical Science.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role that health and social care plays in our society. Now, with £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund, Bolton will have a new College of Medical Science. The investment will support the next generation of healthcare professionals in Bolton, by transforming the way NHS staff are trained.

Supporting the next generation

The new facility will provide:

  • students the opportunity to train on the hospital site
  • direct routes into the healthcare sector
  • upskilling opportunities for existing staff

A unique partnership

The development is a first of its kind in the UK and a unique partnership between:

  • The University of Bolton
  • Bolton Council
  • Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
  • Bolton College

The project will support young people in Bolton and attract talent from outside the town. There will be space to train:

  • an anticipated 3,700 students per year
  • around 900 apprentices within healthcare roles

The first students are expected to start in 2024.

Over its lifetime, The Bolton College of Medical Science is expected to:

  • create up to 20,000 new jobs and apprenticeships
  • contribute more than £150 million to the local economy

Professor George E Holmes DL, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton.

An historic moment for our town and the University. This announcement provides a springboard to an entirely different level in Bolton, which will provide high quality professional medical careers for generations to come.

Find out more about levelling up.

Drone photo of the Royal Bolton Hospital site, showing ambulances outside the A&E department
Aerial photo of the Royal Bolton Hospital site and surrounding countryside

Images credit: Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and Sitcom Soldiers

Updates to this page

Published 17 January 2023