Ellie, Elner and Mr Jackbow – an enduring symbol of Bolton, have had a makeover in readiness for their move back to their original site in Bolton town centre, which they left in 2015.
They were moved to near the Octagon car park, close to the play area.
The trio have been fully restored and repainted before being installed to their original place on Newport Street to be the first thing travellers see on exiting Bolton Interchange.
Town Hall chiefs said the restoration is part of a series of projects that aim to make the town centre more vibrant and welcoming for residents, commuters and visitors.
Other schemes include a large double-sided LED screen which will be installed outside the interchange to provide information about Bolton’s upcoming events, local attractions and civic history.
It will also help new arrivals to find their way around, complementing the new wayfinding totems added across the town centre.
The Bolton elephants on Newport Street (Image: Bolton Council)
The Pride in Place Impact Fund will be used to fund other schemes to make the town centre more vibrant.
Bolton Council plans to work with artists to create a series of murals in the town centre celebrating Bolton’s history and its many musicians, performers and sporting heroes.
Upgraded outdoor power units will be installed in Victoria Square to support major outdoor events.
New outdoor seating will also be installed in the town centre, and the public space outside the new Wellsprings Innovation Hub will be renovated.
The Bolton elephants (Image: Bolton Council)
The council will also be implementing new health and safety measures, including improved street lighting, CCTV networks and defibrillators that have already been installed.
Bolton has a long and historic association with the elephant emblem with examples ranging from town hall carvings to statues.
Theories link it to trade with India, as well as the adoption of the Elephant and Castle from the Arms of Coventry to symbolise strength and dignity.
The Bolton elephants were removed to be fully restored and repainted (Image: Bolton Council)
Bolton’s three colourful elephants were named Ellie, Elmer and Mister Jackbow by local children in a public competition.
Cllr Nick Peel, leader of Bolton Council, said: “Bolton deserves a town centre we can all be proud of and this council has been working hard to transform the heart of our borough.
“Not just with major regeneration schemes like Moor Lane, Deansgate Gardens or the upcoming Crompton Place project but also by revitalising the spaces in between.
“We are creating a vibrant and welcoming town centre that celebrates our heritage and unique identity.”