Bury Council has formally agreed to buy the Mill Gate centre as a key part of multi-million pound proposals to regenerate the town centre.
It has also decided to set up a Joint Venture partnership with developers Bruntwood, one of the UK’s leading property providers and town centre regeneration pioneers, to deliver the proposed project.
The move is seen as a ‘once in a generation’ chance to create new housing, employment, retail and hospitality opportunities, along with new health and education facilities, with sustainability and wellbeing at its heart.
The proposals were agreed by the council’s cabinet last week.
Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of the council, said: “These are huge proposals, but an opportunity that we cannot miss. Local jobs, businesses, public services and the very quality of people’s lives depend on us taking the initiative, with all partners and agencies working together to deliver prosperity for all.
“Our plans for the Mill Gate centre will complement initiatives for a new flexi-hall on Bury Market and improvements in the wider area, plus a new transport interchange, aimed at ‘future proofing’ the town centre against the challenges posed by the changing retail landscape.”
Cllr O’Brien added: “Under our regeneration proposals, we are determined to ensure that every part of our borough will flourish.
“Our plans to regenerate the heart of Radcliffe are well under way, following our successful bid for £20 million to build a multi-purpose business and leisure hub there, complemented by a new high school.
“We are driving forward major plans to transform the Longfield Centre in Prestwich, and we’ve just concluded our public consultation on how best to make Ramsbottom even better. Whitefield, meanwhile, is to receive expert support from the High Streets Task Force.
“We are putting the biggest ever council investment into all these proposals to make sure that our borough, its businesses and communities will thrive for generations to come.”
