Work to build Radcliffe’s new multi-million pound Civic Hub has been approved by council planners.
The hub is a crucial part of the town’s regeneration proposals, and will help to transform the centre for decades to come.
The three-story building in Blackburn Street will host swimming pools, fitness suites and studios; an indoor climbing facility; offices; a cafeteria and library.
Bury Council’s planning committee also approved a link block between Radcliffe Market and Market Chambers buildings, plus refurbishment of Market Chambers and the Market Hall basement for use as a multi-use event space, with associated alterations and landscaping.
Enabling works are already under way to divert utilities and prepare the town centre for the rebuilds.
Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, said: “It’s great news for Radcliffe that our plans for the new Civic Hub have been given the green light.
“We are investing unprecedented amounts of money into regenerating Radcliffe, and the hub will play a crucial part in that, transforming the town centre for generations to come.
“Local residents and businesses have been keenly awaiting this – now, working together, we can all get on with making it happen.”
Permission has already been given for new houses near the civic hub site, which will complement 400 new homes at the former East Lancs Paper Mill site.
And Radcliffe’s new high school is on track to open in September 2024, with parents able to apply for places from this September.
