Prestwich Library to temporarily relocate as part of major Prestwich Village regeneration project

Prestwich Library is preparing to temporarily relocate from the Longfield Centre to the Phoenix Centre at St Mary’s Park as the next phase of the ambitious Prestwich Village regeneration programme moves forward.

This means the library will need to close for a short period before the Phoenix Centre is fully ready.

The £100 million regeneration scheme is already progressing, with construction of the new £14 million travel hub advancing at pace. This progress will help ensure there is no delay as work moves into its next major stage - the redevelopment of the Longfield Shopping Centre.

To allow demolition and redevelopment activity to take place, Prestwich Library will vacate its current site and move to a temporary base at the Phoenix Centre in the easily accessible and reachable St Mary’s Park. This will ensure that residents continue to benefit from library services during the transition period.

Demolition will take place in two phases – firstly, the building that includes the library, followed by the remaining retail units in the other Longfield Centre buildings.

The programme of works to adapt the Phoenix Centre is currently being finalised, and the dates for temporary closure and reopening will be confirmed in a future update.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council and cabinet member for strategic growth, said: “This relocation marks an important step forward in the Prestwich Village regeneration programme. While major construction inevitably brings some disruption, we are committed to managing this transition with sensitivity and transparency. Our priority is to ensure Prestwich residents continue to benefit from high‑quality library services while we deliver the modern facilities the community deserves.”

The Phoenix Centre, located within St Mary’s Park and supported by good transport links, has been carefully assessed to ensure it provides a safe, accessible and welcoming environment. Essential repairs and internal works are being planned in collaboration with library staff, professional advisers and delivery partners.

The Phoenix Centre will continue to offer:

• Reading provision for all ages
• Access to computers and digital services
• Study and community space
• Children’s library activities

The historically important and locally cherished items from the Heritage Gallery will be returned to Bury Art Museum for display, and the Prestwich Timeline panels are expected to move to a local school.

Cllr O’Brien added: “The programme of works to adapt the Phoenix Centre is currently being finalised. As part of this process, we know that the Longfield Centre Library will need to close for a short period to make way for demolition works and building alterations to the new temporary home. We recognise how important the library is to our community, and we are committed to keeping any disruption to a minimum.”

For the latest information about the library move visit Prestwich Library relocation information or follow Bury libraries’ social media channels.

For more information about the £100m regeneration programme, a joint venture between Bury Council and nationwide placemaker Muse, visit www.yourprestwich.com or contact info@yourprestwich.com

ENDS

Press release issued: 27 January 2026.