Plans to improve the heart of Whitefield are set to be formally adopted by Bury Council.
Councillors are expected to approve the revised Whitefield Town Centre Plan following a lengthy period of consultation, which has resulted in a number of changes.
When the plan was put out to consultation people said that Whitefield lacked a centre, there was a lack of variety of things to do, and the area was dominated by traffic.
People wanted to see more food and beverage markets/ events, and changes relating to parks and green spaces.
The new plans set to be approved will try to address these concerns
Whitefield Common”, will include moving the existing Uplands medical centre to the former Whitefield library, leaving the site open for residential development while there is a commitment to carry out audits of Whitefield’s roads relating to suitability for improved active travel infrastructure, car parking demand, and vehicle count;
Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, said: “The Whitefield Town Centre Plan aims to improve the town centre area for communities, businesses, and the environment.
“As part of our LET’S do it strategy, these proposals have been drafted following extensive input from local businesses, residents and community representatives.
“We’re all committed to making Whitefield an attractive place to live, work and visit. The town plan will help us join the dots and make this happen.
“All the proposals will require further work and will be subject to further engagement with relevant stakeholders. Funding will also be required for implementation.”
Caleb Jones, senior urban designer at consultants Planit, commented: “We’re delighted to hear about the upcoming formal adoption of Whitefield’s Town Centre Plan following extensive consultation with the local community. Planit’s regeneration strategy to create a ‘prosperous and greener town’ focuses a vision for new homes, a community green space, and transformation of the old library into a health centre.
“The proposals will support the delivery of an attractive, cleaner and greener people-oriented town centre where residents want to spend time and make full use its high street. The vision creates a catalyst for more detailed plans, funding bids and active community participation on Whitefield’s future.”
The plan is due to be approved by members of the council’s cabinet next Wednesday (4 Dec)
