Middlebrook, Greater Manchester

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Middlebrook is a suburb in Bolton, Greater Manchester, spanning parts of Horwich and Lostock. It’s named after Middle Brook, a watercourse that feeds into the River Croal downstream. Today the area is a large retail, leisure and business park, and it also hosts the University of Bolton Stadium, home to Bolton Wanderers Football Club, and Horwich Police Station.

History in brief:
- The name Middlebrook comes from Old English and has appeared in records since 1292 as Mikelbrok.
- Before the shopping and leisure complex was built, the site was Sefton Fold Farm in Horwich. Archaeologists investigated the old farmhouse and its surroundings in the 1990s, with some artefacts later displayed at the Horwich Heritage Centre.

Development and facilities:
- The Middlebrook complex was developed by the Emerson Group starting in 1996, with the first businesses opening in 1998.
- The site features out-of-town shops, a 12-screen cinema, ten-pin bowling, cafés and restaurants, two hotels, and the Bolton Arena sports and leisure centre.
- At the centre of the site is the Toughsheet Community Stadium, home of Bolton Wanderers F.C., which opened in 1997.

Transport and access:
- Middlebrook is near Junction 6 of the M61 motorway. The A6027 links the A6 with the motorway and the retail and business parks.
- Horwich Parkway railway station offers Park & Ride and services to Bolton, Manchester, and Preston. Several bus routes serve the area, including 516/517 from Leigh and 574/576/577 from Bolton.