​Next steps in Radcliffe regeneration scheme

A masterplan for the future of Radcliffe – shaped by the passionate views of residents – is about to take its next step forward.

The Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) sets out ways to transform the town centre over the next 15 years and attract investment in skills and jobs, the environment and civic/leisure facilities.

Public consultation on the initial plans, drawn up by consultants Deloitte, has just finished and already the views of local people have brought some changes.

Despite the Covid-19 restrictions on live meetings, more than 1,400 comments were received from residents and businesses via emails, feedback forms, social media, a dedicated webpage and also via a live Q&A webinar. A letter was also sent to every household in Radcliffe with details of the scheme.

The next stage of the project is set to be agreed by members of the council’s cabinet at their meeting next Wednesday (2 Sep).

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, said: "We’re committed to the long-term regeneration of Radcliffe, but it is vital that this is about more than just new bricks and mortar.

“A strong SRF will help us leverage the private sector and government funding needed to ensure these projects are delivered.

"I want to thank all those who have had their say on Radcliffe’s future during the last five months – their ambitions are at the heart of all our regeneration plans.

"It’s clear that high-quality housing, more jobs and training, and better public transport are among their priorities – but residents have been frank about other things that we need to do better.

“Setting up town centre boards and community hubs across the borough, to help us get through and recover from the coronavirus lockdown, puts us in a great place to move forward together with major developments such as this.

"Radcliffe is a great town and we have so much to be proud of. Together, we can make sure it is one of the region’s best places to live, work and visit."

Geoff Little, chief executive of Bury Council, said, “Overall the SRF was well received, with strong support for our priority projects such as the creation of a civic hub, provision of new school and leisure facilities and a push for transport and parking strategy for the town.

“After reviewing the responses, we have made some changes to ensure the final SRF document closely reflects the views from Radcliffe: this includes the removal of proposals to create an additional car parking deck at Asda, and the proposals for the medical centre car park.”

“We can assure everyone in Radcliffe that we are fully committed to delivering these proposals. Our next step is to oversee the creation of a project management team to take forward the project, with associated groups which will involve the council, private investors, local businesses and residents to oversee developments and provide their valuable input.”

The new dedicated project management team will develop these five key projects:

• Creation of a new public services hub building in the centre of town
• Development and delivery of a new parking strategy
• An approach to housing that benefits the whole town
• Development of Radcliffe Market and the Market Chambers building
• Creation of a lifestyle/leisure facility

To view the strategies and get involved in shaping Radcliffe’s future, see www.bury.gov.uk/radclifferegeneration.

ENDS

Press release issued: 25 August 2020.