What people want to see in town’s new market hall

A wide ranging £100M redevelopment of Prestwich centre is underway which will eventually see the creation of a market hall that opens straight onto a village square.

A wide ranging £100M redevelopment of Prestwich centre is underway which will eventually see the creation of a market hall that opens straight onto a village square.

The massive project is being delivered by Prestwich Regeneration LLP, a joint venture between developer Muse and Bury Council.

They said the plans will ‘overhaul the dated Longfield Centre site, revitalising Prestwich village with shops, community facilities, public green spaces and much-needed new homes’.

Work has already started on a new multi-storey car park for the village centre, which is currently under construction at the former surface car park on Fairfax Road.

The regeneration body, under the badge Your Prestwich, recently revealed ‘a little teaser of what’s coming’ on their social media channels with more details of the new market hall.

They said it would have ‘flexible stalls for indie retailers and a buzzy food-hall that opens straight onto a landscaped village square’. They said: “Think casual counter dining, pop-up traders and plenty of communal seating – right in the heart of the village.”

Your Prestwich then asked for feedback, saying: “What would you love to see in the new market hall? “Cutting-edge cuisine? Cool crafts? Or something else? Drop your wish-list below.”

Among the suggestions were ‘a performance space’ and requests for a ‘fishmonger and butcher selling local farmers’ produce’.

Another answer suggested ‘gallery space so local artists can display their work and run art classes’ while one resident saw ‘free parking’ and ‘actual shops instead of a food hall’ as a priority.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service visited the Longfield centre and asked those out and about what they would like to see in the new market hall:

On a blazing hot Wednesday lunch time the centre of Prestwich was relatively busy with many people sitting outside the bars and cafes enjoying the fresh air.

The first person I spoke to outside the Radius complex was none other than former Manchester United winger Russell Beardsmore.

Russell, 56, who lives in Unsworth, clocked up more than 50 appearances for the Red Devils before a longer playing spell at AFC Bournemouth.

Now coaching BTEC youngsters for the Manchester United Foundation, he said: “I pop in to Prestwich quite often on my way in or going home from work.

“I’m a regular at Costa. I think that a food hall is a great idea. “I came to one of the fortnightly pop up market events here recently and had some delicious Turkish food. The place was buzzing.

“One thing I would say is to include the older folk in the plans. Prestwich has lost all its banks recently and that’s had an effect.

“Look around – they are the ones out during the day so they should be catered for.”

One of the ‘hubs’ of the present Longfield centre is the You & Me cafe, on the corner of the precinct. Outside, a group of local ladies are enjoying their daily catch up over teas, coffees and cake.

Pat Hollins, 89, said she didn’t understand the need for so much change. She said: “What worries me is the interim period between the existing businesses closing and them building replacements. “It could be years in between.

“What are we going to do? “Places like this cafe are the fabric of our village, where people meet, socialise and talk to one another.

“Some of the more elderly in Prestwich have their main meal of the day here and there’s nothing else similar.

“I moved here in 1968 and saw this very shopping centre get built in 1972. What’s so wrong with it that it has to go.”

Pauline Devlin, 86, lives on Merton Road. She echoed the need for access to cash.

She said: “The town has seen all its bank branches closed. If they are looking for suggestions for the new building then a cashpoint is essential. “A lot of older people rely on cash, many aren’t online.

“A place with fresh bread and pastries would be welcome too.” Sandra Cooper from Besses, said the new market hall outlets ‘shouldn’t be too posh’ and cater for a wide range of people.

She said: “At the moment we’ve got this place, the You & Me cafe, it’s reasonably priced, welcoming and a place where all are made to feel at home. “That should be the aim of outlets in the new market hall.”

Philomena Byrne, 76, said: “There used to be a shop here that sold hats, gloves, scarves and socks and basics for the children, skirts and pants. “The type of thing parents always need. There’s nowhere in Prestwich for that so that’s a suggestion.

“Also somewhere for greetings cards, newspapers and magazines.”

David Carr, 66, had been playing his guitar and singing hymns and gospel songs at the area close to the water feature throughout the duration of my visit.

David, from Whitefield, volunteers at the nearby FoodCycle charity, which provides a weekly hot meal to anybody who requires it at the Creative Living Centre.

He said: “Above all the new space has to make people feel welcome and safe and become a central part of the community. “I would love it to have plenty of natural light and for people to be able to sit outside and be exposed to the elements.

“Imagine how lovely that would be on a day like this.”