Ellie, Elmer and Mister Jackbow have returned to Newport Street, where they will once again greet people arriving in the town centre from Bolton Interchange.
The trio were reinstalled on September 16 after being restored and repainted, with Bolton Council now confirming their homecoming as part of wider work to improve the town centre.
The elephants had originally left Newport Street in 2015 as part of a £3 million redevelopment of the street, moving to the area around Octagon Square.
Their return, first announced earlier this year, is among projects being funded through the Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund.
Cllr Martin Donaghy, deputy leader of Bolton Council, said: “Bolton deserves a town centre we can all be proud of, and the return of our iconic elephants to Newport Street is another milestone in achieving our efforts to transform the heart of the borough.
(Image: PHIL TAYLOR)
“Not just with major regeneration schemes like Moor Lane, Deansgate Gardens, or the upcoming Crompton Place and Church Wharf projects, but also by revitalising the spaces in between.
“As one of the first things visitors and residents will see when arriving from the interchange, the elephants help create a vibrant town centre that celebrates Bolton’s unique heritage.”
Other work planned through the fund includes murals celebrating Bolton’s history and its musicians, performers and sporting figures, as well as upgraded outdoor power units in Victoria Square to support events.
They’ve returned once again (Image: Bolton Council)
Improvements to street lighting and the CCTV network and the installation of defibrillators also form part of work to improve the town centre.
Cllr Debbie Newall, Bolton Council’s executive cabinet member for culture, said: “Many of us have fond memories of Bolton’s iconic elephants at the top of Newport Street and I am delighted they are back in their original home where more people can see and enjoy them.
“The elephants represent Bolton at its very best, welcoming, with a sense of humour while at the same time celebrating our proud civic and cultural heritage.”
(Image: Phil Taylor)
Bolton’s association with elephants stretches back centuries, with the animal appearing in versions of the town’s civic arms since at least 1799.
The elephant was formally incorporated into Bolton’s coat of arms in 1890.
Theories surrounding the symbol include links with historic trade with India and the Elephant and Castle symbol traditionally associated with strength and dignity.
The colourful Newport Street elephants themselves have a more recent history.
They were designed and named by local schoolchildren and had stood on Newport Street from 2007 before their eventual move in 2015.