U2 drummer and Hollywood actor invest in Bolton

Hollywood actor Colin Farrell and Larry Mullen Jr, the drummer with rock band U2, have made their first forays into the north of England property market with the purchase of a residential development in Bolton, Greater Manchester. The Irish stars have jointly purchased Woodthorpe Homes’ 26-unit Courtyard residential development for around £3m. The scheme, completed in June, is situated off Bradshawgate in Bolton town centre. Each apartment includes an open plan living/dining area, two bedrooms and a balcony. Councillor Akhtar Zaman, executive member for regeneration on Bolton council, said: “We have a large number of Bolton-born celebrities who love the town, such as Peter Kay, Vernon Kay and Dave Spikey, but we’re delighted that it’s also become popular with a couple of international stars. “This purchase demonstrates Bolton’s importance as a regional economic centre and top investment destination.” Alan Hegarty, development director of Woodthorpe Homes, added: “Colin and Larry were attracted to buy in Bolton by its location close to Manchester and the motorway network, but also on the edge of the stunning West Pennine Moors, as well as by the large-scale regeneration of the town centre.” In addition to the Courtyard, Woodthorpe Homes has planning permission for a mixed-use scheme on the former Odeon cinema site in Bolton, part of the town’s emerging Cultural Quarter. Woodthorpe Homes represented itself in the purchase while Colin Farrell and Larry Mullen Jr were represented by Galvin Investments, an Irish property investment company. david.quinn@rbi.co.uk