Prestwich Regeneration LLP, a joint venture between nationwide placemaker Muse and Bury Council, has announced that the demolition of the Longfield Centre will start by early August, marking a major milestone in the £100m once-in-a-generation regeneration of Prestwich village.
Having served Prestwich for more than 60 years, the Longfield Centre no longer meets modern community needs. Its demolition will pave the way for the next stage of regeneration and the long-term transformation of Prestwich village.
Initial preparatory works have already been completed ahead of the Longfield Centre demolition programme, which will begin with the internal strip-out of the retail units and the main Longfield Centre building. This work must be done before the structures themselves can be dismantled. Demolition is expected to continue until early next year.
Throughout the works, noise, dust and vibration levels will be closely monitored and appropriate mitigation measures implemented, where necessary, to minimise disruption for nearby residents and businesses.
The demolition programme will begin with mobilisation works, ahead of hoardings being installed around parts of the Longfield Centre in mid-August. While access through some areas of the centre will be restricted, the centre will remain partially accessible to the public. Businesses on Poppythorn Lane and in the Radius building will remain open and accessible throughout the works. Safe pedestrian routes and clearly signposted diversions will be maintained around the site for the duration of the demolition programme.
Residents and visitors are advised that, once the site hoardings are installed, the demolition area will become a restricted construction site. For safety reasons, members of the public must not enter the site and should follow all signage and designated pedestrian routes throughout the works.
As part of the demolition works, one side of Rectory Lane will be closed for approximately four weeks during the middle of the demolition programme. Temporary traffic lights will be installed to manage traffic and allow the local community to continue using this road. Once the dates have been finalised, the local community will be updated.
Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, Leader of Bury Council said: “This is a significant milestone for Prestwich and an important step towards delivering the vibrant village centre that local people have helped shape.
“The regeneration will bring new homes, independent businesses, improved public spaces and modern community facilities, creating a destination that reflects the ambition, character and future of Prestwich.
“While we recognise that demolition works will cause some temporary disruption, this investment represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the heart of the village and create lasting benefits for residents, businesses and visitors for many years to come.”
