IT has been 16 years since Bolton's Market Hall closed its doors.

The controversial closure, which provoked a petition signed by more than 80,000 people, meant that more than 50 businesses - some which had been in the hall since it opened in 1855 - had to close.

Many simply shut up shop, however some relocated to the Ashburner Street Market, which is still going today.

Following the closure of the Market Hall, a £30million revamp was undertaken to convert it into a shopping mall which became the Market Place Shopping Centre.

It has since undergone a further £20m refurbishment, welcoming a number of high street stores and the recently opened restaurants in The Vaults.

There is also a nine-screen cinema operated by The Light which opened in 2016.

However there have been several losses for the centre in recent years, such as the closure of Zara in 2020 and Debenhams in 2021. 

Earlier this week, it was announced fashion retailer Flannels will open in the former Tessuti store. 

READ MORE: Your reaction to Flannels coming to Bolton... and what shops you want to see in town

Despite all the comings and goings, many people still pine for the traditional Bolton Market Hall so scroll through the gallery above and take a trip down memory lane. 

What are your memories of the Market Hall? E mail chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk