Your views wanted on plans for Bury town centre’s evening economy

Residents and businesses are being urged to have their say over plans to improve Bury town centre’s evening and night-time economy.

The strategy aims to continue the successful partnership working that has seen Bury achieve Purple Flag Status in 2015 and again in 2016.

Purple Flag is a quality award scheme for town and city centres, similar to Blue Flag awards for beaches and Green Flag awards for parks. This recognises the way that Bury town centre’s evening and night time economy is managed, and draws attention to the many attractions that it has to offer. Bury is the first and only town centre in Greater Manchester to achieve this award.

The draft strategy and action plan will build upon the existing strengths of Bury town centre as a destination for retail, food, culture and entertainment while further developing the night-time economy offer.

Bury boasts a thriving day-time economy with the town centre having been ranked as the third best retail destination in Greater Manchester – sitting below only Manchester city centre and the Trafford Centre. Bury was also runner-up in the prestigious national Great Town Award last year.

The strategy and action plan aims to expand on this success and further improve the early evening and night-time economy between the hours of 5pm and 2am.

Councillor Sandra Walmsley, cabinet member for resource and regulation, said: “Bury town centre has been transformed in recent years, and we all want to keep up the momentum. Working with our partners, we want to ensure that those visiting Bury town centre can enjoy a safe, secure, healthy and risk free environment.”

To view the draft strategy and submit feedback, go to www.bury.gov.uk/ente

Alternatively, you can view the strategy and submit written feedback at Bury Council, Department for Resources and Regulation. Ground Floor Reception, 3 Knowsley Place, Duke Street, Bury, BL9 0EJ.

The consultation runs until Friday 18 March.

ENDS

Press release issued: 24 February 2016.