Parts of the Mill Gate shopping centre in Bury are proposed to be demolished to make way for a new market space under a £24.1m regeneration plan.
Bury council and developer Bruntwood have released new details about how the scheme could be brought forward. The plan is intended to create better connections to and through Bury Market, as well as delivering improved shopping streets and vibrant new public spaces.
New public square at the heart of the scheme
At the centre of the plan is a new public square featuring new planting, seating and potentially small commercial units to complement the market. This would be located in Princess Parade, next to the new Casewells flexi-hall, which is due to open later this month.
The council wants this to be a safe and welcoming area combining everyday use with events. Retail units along the stretch are expected to be demolished to create room for the square.
New pedestrian routes would connect to the square, running along Minden Parade and Market Parade. For this, parts of the Mill Gate shopping centre's roof would be demolished along with a portion of the B&M store by the multi-storey car park.
Car park access changes and pedestrian routes
Access to the car park would also be moved, with the council proposing both access and egress be taken from Angouleme Way. This would see the entrance on the TJ Hughes side closed off and landscaped.
The council said it wants the narrow cut-through to the rear of B&M to become a welcoming new pedestrian route and another public square.
Information released online states: "We propose removing vehicle access and demolishing retail units along the northern boundary to open up the space. Planting, trees and seating would create a place to pause, with room for occasional events and activities alongside clearer connections through the town centre."
Businesses in the areas proposed for demolition will be offered alternative units within Mill Gate wherever possible, the council has said.
Phase one plans and consultation
The rest of the area around Mill Gate and Bury Market will also see improvements, which could include upgraded shop fronts, modernised canopies, high-quality paving and better lighting.
These works mark phase one of the plans, with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority providing £24.1m from its Good Growth Fund. Future ambitions could also see new homes, workspaces, leisure and hospitality uses brought forward there.
While those proposals are still being drawn up, the council said it is exploring temporary uses such as pop-up shops to bring in additional footfall during both the day and evenings.
The council is now consulting on its regeneration plans, with members of the public able to have their say until Sunday, November 29. A drop-in event is planned in the Mill Gate on Saturday, November 21.
Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for regeneration and growth, said: "Mill Gate is a hugely important part of our town centre, and this consultation is a chance for residents, businesses and traders to have a genuine say in its future. These proposals will improve the way people move between Mill Gate, our award-winning Market, the Interchange and Casewells, and give people more reasons to visit Bury and stay longer."
Chris Roberts, chief development officer at Bruntwood, said: "This first phase is about building on what makes Bury special and making Mill Gate feel more open and better connected to the rest of Bury, with a new public square and spaces where people want to spend time. The people who live, work and trade here know the town centre best, so we want to hear from as many of them as possible before we finalise the design. Their feedback will make a real difference to what we deliver."
He added: "Bury is a town with so much already going for it, but also so much untapped potential. Through these plans we want to build on these existing strengths and create a place that people want to spend time in, businesses can grow and further investment can follow."
