CONSTRUCTION work is due to begin on 40 new homes on the site of the demolished Radcliffe Civic Suite.

The Great Places Housing Association is preparing to start development on the affordable housing development after the historic Thomas Street venue was torn down.

The scheme, partly funded by a £1 million grant from the Homes and Communities Agency, will consist of a mix of two and three bedroom homes available for rent, shared ownership or purchase.

A spokesman for the housing group confirmed that building is expected to start between mid-August and early September, with a target completion date set for November 2017.

Matthew Harrison, Chief Executive of Great Places Housing Group, said: "We’re currently finalising our contract with Bury Council and aiming to start onsite construction in early September.

"We’re aiming to develop 40 much-needed homes - 24 will be available for affordable rent and 16 for sale to first time buyers through shared ownership. These are due to be completed in winter 2017.

"Our sales division, Plumlife, develops new-build homes for first-time buyers to purchase through Shared Ownership and Help to Buy equity loan schemes. The team is happy to talk buyers through the schemes we offer."

The Civic Suite, described as "iconic" by residents who fought against its closure, shut its doors for the last time in April after Bury Council announced last year that it was to close.

A state-of-the-art leisure and entertainment venue is set to be built as a replacement on the site of the old swimming baths in Green Street, which are also in the process of being demolished.

The council told residents that the new facility, which could cost in the region of £10 million, would be open by the end of 2018, with a business plan due to be completed by this summer.

However, Cllr Rishi Shori, leader of Bury Council, told the Radcliffe Times earlier this month that funding plans for the scheme now had to be re-thought in light of the upheaval caused by Brexit.