Could The Withins Pub Become Bolton’s Next Community Hub? Sam Smith Shares a Vision for Breightmet’s Future
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An empty building. A community full of potential. A chance to create lasting opportunities for young people in Bolton.
This week, Sam Smith, Founder of Genuine Futures CIC, visited the former Withins Pub in Breightmet to see first-hand a building that has become a symbol of both challenge and opportunity.
Standing outside the boarded-up pub, Sam didn’t just see an empty building.
He saw possibility.
Looking across the large car park, he imagined what it could become—a thriving hive of activity where young people, families, local businesses and community organisations come together every week.
Rather than standing empty, the space could one day host youth-led enterprises, community markets, outdoor events, employer engagement days, training workshops, family activities, wellbeing sessions and social enterprises such as We Shine Any Car and Clean Futures. The former pub itself could become a welcoming community hub where people learn new skills, build confidence, find employment and strengthen community connections.
It is a vision based on opportunity rather than decline.
A Building Waiting for Its Next Chapter
The Withins has stood empty since closing in 2022 and has since experienced repeated police and fire service call-outs. Bolton Council has confirmed that Building Control is securing the property while its future is considered.
For many people, it has become another empty building.
For Genuine Futures, it raises a much bigger question:
How can spaces like this create lasting opportunities for local people?
Listening to the Community
Through our Our Bolton. Our Future. campaign, we’ve been speaking with residents and listening to young people across Bolton.
One message has come through repeatedly:
“There’s nothing to do.”
Our survey highlights the need for more positive activities, employment pathways, enterprise opportunities and welcoming community spaces where young people can develop skills, build relationships and feel part of something positive.
Communities need places that bring people together.
When those places disappear, communities lose more than buildings—they lose opportunities to connect.
A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity
With £20 million of Pride in Place funding coming to Breightmet, there is a significant opportunity to invest in the future of the area.
At Genuine Futures, we believe regeneration should leave more than new buildings.
It should leave stronger communities, better opportunities and brighter futures.
Imagine a place where young people can gain work experience, start businesses, access mentoring, meet employers, volunteer, learn practical skills and help shape their own community.
Imagine local businesses working alongside schools, charities and residents to create a sustainable community asset.
Imagine a building that becomes known for changing lives rather than attracting anti-social behaviour.
That is the type of regeneration we believe Breightmet deserves.
Genuine Futures Wants a Seat at the Table
We are not suggesting we have all the answers.
The best ideas will come from local people.
That’s why Genuine Futures believes community organisations, residents, young people, businesses and Bolton Council should work together to shape the future of Breightmet.
We would welcome the opportunity to contribute to those conversations.
Our team brings lived experience, practical delivery and a proven track record of supporting young people who have often been overlooked by traditional services.
We believe investment should be measured not simply by the number of buildings refurbished, but by the number of lives changed.
It Starts With Listening
The future of Breightmet shouldn’t be decided without the voices of the people who live there.
If we’re serious about creating lasting change, we need to start by listening.
That’s why we’ve launched our Our Bolton. Our Future. survey, giving residents, businesses, community groups and young people the opportunity to share their ideas.
We’d love to hear your views.
Complete the survey today:
https://docs.google.com/forms/
Together, we can help shape a future where regeneration is about more than restoring buildings.
It’s about restoring hope.
It’s about creating opportunity.
It’s about investing in people.
Because the future of Bolton starts with its communities.