Council acquisitions to unlock delivery of regeneration in Radcliffe town centre

Bury Council has unveiled its latest plans to deliver a new Civic Hub in Radcliffe town centre as part its Strategic Regeneration Framework to transform the area.

The council is proposing to buy three sites in the town centre in order to make its multi-million pound ambitions become a reality.

The Civic Hub will be a cornerstone of the regeneration and could incorporate council services, leisure facilities, high quality retail, food and beverage outlets, community events space and private office space.

The main site the council wishes to acquire is the existing 1960s precinct, currently owned by London & Associated Properties (LAP), fronting the piazza and next to Blackburn Street and Dale Street.

This location is strategically linked to the public transport network, complements the Radcliffe Market proposals and will significantly improve the image and environment of the town centre core.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, said: “We are putting our full weight behind the regeneration of Radcliffe, looking to allocate £36 million for the delivery of this plan over the next three years - the biggest investment in Radcliffe in a generation. And this is just the beginning, as we aim to attract significant external funding on top of this.

"Our residents want to see high-quality housing, more jobs and training, a new school, community facilities and better public transport.

“The Civic Hub will play a major role in that. But leaving the town to market forces will not change anything, and won’t provide the attractions to the centre is that is needed to drive visitors and business growth.

“We must take a pro-active role in driving forward the plans, putting in our own money in order to attract investment from the private sector and external funding sources including the Government’s Levelling Up fund.”

“A development of this scale has the potential to be truly transformational for the town and will act as a catalyst for further development and investment in the town centre and wider borough.

The proposals are due to be agreed by the council’s cabinet tonight (Wed 24 March).

ENDS

Press release issued: 24 March 2021.