Jobs and investment plan for trading estate

Bury Council is to redevelop Bradley Fold Trading Estate in Radcliffe to attract more business and create more jobs.

The 25-acre site is the council’s largest non-operational asset, but parts of the estate are outdated and in poor condition.

The main buildings were constructed in the early 1900s and used as a munitions factory during the war. Later the units were subdivided and let out for commercial use, and over the years a number of additional buildings have been added. The council has owned the site since 1983.

There are approximately 130 people employed by occupying businesses across the whole of the let estate. It is anticipated that, if the whole of the let estate was redeveloped to provide good quality units that made best use of the site available, this number could double.

The council’s cabinet has now agreed to invest £1.4 million on the first phase of development, and seek a design team and project manager to produce an updated masterplan for the whole estate.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of the council, said: “This is a great opportunity to invest in the estate and maximise the site’s potential as a modern industrial hub, attracting high-quality businesses that generate jobs, and also increase rental income to the council.”

Due to the poor condition of some units on the estate, the council is carrying the financial risk of holding buildings that cannot be insured. This may mean the council having to terminate leases and demolish some of the estate.

The council will work closely with existing tenants to provide support where possible in respect to any disruption or possible termination of their leases.

ENDS

Press release issued: 15 July 2025.