Spring community conversation announced for Prestwich regeneration

Plans to redevelop the Longfield Centre and create a new community heart for Prestwich are moving forward, with a conversation on the proposals set to launch later in the Spring.

Bury Council and Muse Developments – one of the UK’s leading names in urban regeneration and placemaking – agreed to enter into a joint venture in late 2021 to drive the project forward. They are now working together on a vision to sustainably redevelop the centre, with new spaces planned for local independent businesses to thrive, alongside a mix of high-quality homes, family friendly outdoor spaces and a new community hub focused on health and wellbeing.

While the plans are still at an early stage, key ambitions for the £100m scheme have been revealed:

• Creating an inclusive place that champions Prestwich’s community spirit
• Promoting health and wellbeing through family-friendly, social places to meet, creative spaces for art and culture and outdoor spaces for community events
• Enhancing the environment for future generations with sustainable buildings, walking and cycling routes and inviting public spaces
• Delivering benefits for local people and building a legacy of social value, through a £100m investment in the Prestwich economy and the creation of local jobs
• Strengthening Prestwich’s transport infrastructure and connectivity with a new mobility hub that offers convenient and sustainable car parking, Electric Vehicle charging points, and cycle storage.

The first stage of the conversation is set to include a series of drop-in sessions at Prestwich Library, online Q&As for local residents and community groups, and stakeholder workshops. There will be a number of opportunities for everyone to get involved in shaping the plans over the next year and people are being encouraged to register their interest in attending workshops and events.

David Burkinshaw, development director at Muse Developments, said: “Redeveloping the Longfield Centre will help position Prestwich as one of the best places to live and visit in the North West for many years to come.

“This is a huge opportunity to create a vibrant new destination for Prestwich that will be an exemplar of sustainable placemaking, deliver social value for the community, and provide the flexible spaces that local and independent businesses need to thrive into the future.

“Prestwich has a strong community spirit and we want to make sure that we give residents, businesses and stakeholders plenty of opportunity to work with us on shaping the vision. We’re looking forward to kicking this off in the Spring with our first community conversation.”

Councillor Eamonn O'Brien, leader of Bury Council, said: “The regeneration of our town centres is a crucial part of our strategy to make sure all areas of our borough can flourish for generations to come.

“This is the biggest single investment we have ever put into Prestwich as we are determined to transform the town and bring about much-needed improvement for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors.

“We need everyone to work together to make this a success, so I urge every single person to join us in reshaping Prestwich for a bright future.”

There are lots of ways to get in touch, register for updates, and confirm interest in attending events and taking part in workshops:

• Fill in the contact form on www.yourprestwich.com or email info@yourprestwich.com (which will be launching soon)
• Call 0800 689 1095
• Write to ‘Freepost HAVE YOUR SAY’ (no further address or stamp needed)
• Social media – Your Prestwich

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Muse Developments

Muse Developments is the UK’s leading light in mixed-use development and urban regeneration, with a range of major schemes across the country. Delivering innovative places through collaboration, Muse brings together the best of the public and private sector to deliver transformational change and maximise community benefit. A national developer - with regional operations in Manchester, London, Leeds and Glasgow - Muse is part of Morgan Sindall Group plc, a leading UK construction and regeneration group which operates through five divisions of Construction and Infrastructure, Fit Out, Property Services, Partnership Housing and Urban Regeneration.

www.musedevelopments.com