PLANS to transform a former entertainment centre in Bury into a new leisure and retail complex were given thumbs up by people in Whitefield.

Residents at the Whitefield and Unsworth Township Forum listened to plans for development firm Sladen Estates to start a major construction project at the Park 66 entertainment centre in Pilsworth.

The development could create several hundred new posts split across four or five shops and a warehouse.

The business wants to build a flagship branch of JD Sports, which has its headquarters close by.

The branch would contain a camping goods store on one level and a gym on another. Next to that building would be an Iceland foodstore and a branch of Home Bargains.

However, it is understood Aldi has not yet fully committed to the project. KFC and Costa Coffee may also build a drive-through each.

Pamela Taylor, a committee member of Hollins Village Community Association, shared the proposals at the township forum meeting on July 5.

She said: “The sites been a bit of an eye sore and a nuisance with no value to the community.

“The developers do not want to upset anyone so have been consulting the site's neighbours.

“None of their plans would detract from Bury town centre.

“It’s going to bring additional traffic into the area but on the plus side it will create jobs.

“The developers will be holding a public consultation to hear everyone’s views on the plans although I think we have gathered the main issues are around traffic.”

Cllr David Jones said: “This news is a breath of fresh air.

“For the developers to be speaking to community groups to ask what we want is really positive.

“I’m pleased that Sladens have been in communication.”

Sladen Estates development director Nigel Jones said: "I am delighted to confirm that Sladen Estates will be bringing forward proposals for the redevelopment of Park 66 in Pilsworth over the coming weeks.

"We are not in a position to confirm the occupants at this stage, as we are still in discussions with a number of potential occupants, but what I can say is that the redevelopment will deliver a mixed-use scheme that will breathe new life into this prominent site.

"We're really looking forward to discussing our proposals with the local community in due course and we hope that people in Bury will be as excited about this scheme as we are."