Green light for next stage of Bury town centre masterplan

Wednesday, 16 March 2022 16:54

By Adam Clark

Proposals to regenerate and transform the town centre of Bury have been warmly welcomed by residents, businesses and agencies.

More than 600 people took the opportunity to view the plans during a six-week consultation period, which has just ended.

The masterplan sets out a long-term vision for the next 15-20 years. It includes major changes in the town centre, especially around the Mill Gate centre with new shops, leisure, residential and business opportunities.

Other proposals include a new Flexi Hall next to Bury Market, a new transport interchange and wider education and employment opportunities. Bury recently won £20 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to help deliver on these priorities.

The consultation revealed that more than three quarters of respondents agreed with the masterplan’s vision, with the main priorities listed as: retaining shops and addressing vacancies; improving the quality of streets and public spaces; and economic future and land use.

A particularly high proportion of respondents agreed with ‘supporting growth sectors and innovation’ (88.4%), ‘upskilling (and reskilling) the local community’ (87.7%), and ‘improving health and wellbeing’ (85.6%).

All of the proposed Character Zones were largely supported, the highest being: Zone A – Retail Heart (81.5%); Zone B – Vibrant Bury (80.8%); and Zone C – Cultural Quarter (77.4%).

Among the issues raised during the consultation included: retaining car parking; improving travel infrastructure; tackling crime; maintaining green spaces; providing affordable housing on brownfield sites; refurbishment of Bury Market; preserving heritage assets; and retaining local businesses.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of the council, said: “These are major proposals, designed to improve the town centre, adapt to the many challenges of today, and ensure that they can flourish for generations to come.

“I am delighted that so many people took the time to read the proposals and give us their views.

“While the masterplan covers a period of 20 years, a number of improvements can be delivered in the short to medium term. These include building a new flexi-hall next to an improved Bury Market; taking forward proposals to transform the Mill Gate centre; redevelopment of the transport interchange; bringing a new hotel to the old fire station site; and developing Phase 2 of Chamberhall into a thriving business district.”

The council will now work with CBRE, its appointed agent which has been leading on developing the masterplan.

Rhian Davitt-Jones, director of CBRE Limited, said: “Bury has a lot to offer for prospective investors and partners and we’re excited to support the council in taking the masterplan through to delivery and engaging with key stakeholders to realise Bury town centre masterplan’s vision.”

The masterplan can be viewed on the council’s website or at Bury Town Hall and Bury Library.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Seven Sisters tenants reaction to the news they could soon be removed

Billy Jackson has called Rochdale’s Seven Sisters home for 40 years. But shock decision means 2025 will be his final year in the iconic tower blocks.
Festive magic arrives in Bury as North Pole Safari Trail transforms town centre

Free augmented reality trail, festive lights switch-on and family events launch Christmas celebrations in Bury
Replacement mosque plans approved despite concerns about parking

Plans to knock down and rebuild a mosque in Prestwich have been approved despite a 1,630 person petition opposing it.
Andy Burnham ‘taken aback’ by decision to move hundreds out of Seven Sisters towers

Andy Burnham was ‘taken aback’ by a decision to clear Rochdale’s iconic ‘Seven Sisters’ tower blocks, forcing hundreds from their homes.
Nine-bed HMO built ‘without permission’ discovered after neighbours complain

Council enforcement officers discovered a nine-bed HMO had been created without permission after a complaint from neighbours, councillors have heard.
Rochdale’s music legacy takes centre stage with iconic Cargo Studios reunion

Rochdale’s rich musical heritage was centre stage at a packed launch event marking the beginning of a new borough-wide celebration called ‘Rochdale Music Stories’, featuring big names like Peter Hook, Clint Boon and Andy McCluskey.
Naked man stops traffic on Rochdale Road in Bury in shocking mid-morning incident

A naked man caused disruption on a busy Bury road on Wednesday morning, swatting at cars and attempting to open vehicle doors before being detained and taken to hospital.
Seven Sisters tower blocks to be emptied over safety concerns

Residents of the iconic tower blocks that have dominated the skyline of Rochdale since the 1960s have been told they will be evicted due to safety concerns.
Culture Co-op secures £1 million to give Rochdale residents more say over arts and creativity

Rochdale’s Culture Co-op has been awarded £1 million to put local people at the heart of cultural decision-making, as part of a £42 million national programme run by Arts Council England.
Hollin pupils turn happiness into poetry during magical session in Middleton

Middleton Library plays host to spellbinding session with Rochdale’s poet laureate Sammy Weaver
Waugh presses government to ensure grooming inquiry tackles race and class ‘head on’

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh says national grooming inquiry must win survivors’ trust and 'follow the evidence wherever it leads’
Goodbye garlic bread? Sandbrook Park Pizza Hut to shut as 68 UK branches axed

Rochdale’s Pizza Hut restaurant is among dozens of UK branches set to permanently shut, after the company that operated the brand in the UK fell into administration.