Prestwich regeneration enters new era as demo contractor appointed

Prestwich regeneration enters new era as demolition contractor appointed.

People in Prestwich will soon see real signs of change in the £100m regeneration of the village centre – with a specialist contractor appointed to begin clearing the Longfield Centre site.

As part of the wider £100m regeneration of Prestwich, this will deliver around 250 new homes, more retail and community space, a much bigger library and improved public areas – all designed to create a bigger, better village centre with ongoing access to NHS services.

This is a significant moment for Prestwich. Taking the site into public ownership meant the Council could prevent its decline and instead shape a future village centre that works for local people.

Appointing the demolition contractor marks the point where this long-held ambition starts becoming a visible reality.

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Leader of Bury Council, said: “As someone who was born and brought up here in Prestwich, I feel genuinely proud to see this level of investment coming into our town. It feels like a real opportunity to bring new life into the place we care about, with new homes, new spaces for local businesses and proper places for the community to come together.

“I’ve seen how the Travel Hub was delivered on time, and it gives me confidence that the same care and determination will go into the next stages of the town centre plans.

“There will be some disruption – but that’s part of any big change. I’ll be making a point of supporting our local shops and independents throughout, and I’d encourage everyone else in Prestwich to do the same.

“For me, this is about getting the best for Prestwich. We’ve needed a modern, vibrant Prestwich Village for a long time, and without the funding that’s now been secured, none of these improvements would have been possible.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the plans take shape and understanding what comes next for our town centre. It’s an exciting moment for Prestwich, and I want us all to feel part of what’s being created here.”

DSM Demolition Ltd will now begin preparing the site so the next phase of the project can progress.

Their appointment, through a regulated national framework, ensures the work is handled safely and efficiently and keeps Prestwich on track to £35m pounds from the Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund.

Work will begin once the library has finished relocating and essential surveys are complete.

The Council will share regular updates so residents know what is happening and when, and disruption will be kept to the minimum needed to carry out the work safely.

The wider plans include new homes built to modern standards, a much larger library, community rooms, a Market Hall celebrating local independents, more green space and a bigger, more welcoming village square.

The Council recognises there will be some disruption during these works and is grateful for the patience and support of residents and local businesses as this once-in-a-generation investment progresses.

This milestone is the first step in bringing those benefits to life. These improvements will create a village centre that is larger, more welcoming and better equipped for the future needs of Prestwich.

* The transformation of Prestwich took another step forward on Friday (27 Mar) when the council’s cabinet agreed to appoint VINCI Construction UK Limited to supply a pre-contract services arrangement for Phases 1B and 2 of the project.

A PCSA is used before a formal main works contract to provide design development, site surveys, cost information and risk identification to help deliver the remaining phases efficiently and speedily.