THE historic centre of Radcliffe could be transformed to create a heritage park, celebrating the area’s past.

Bury Council has submitted a planning application to improve Radcliffe Tower, off Sandford Street, and the surrounding area.

The monument — along with nearby Radcliffe Parish Church and the tithebarn in Tithebarn Street — are thought to be the oldest buildings in Radcliffe.

A bid has already been made for money from Heritage Lottery Fund and a decision is expected shortly.

The tower would be restored and plants, moss and graffiti removed.

Work would start in March 2014 and would have a “strong community base”, with contractors asked to run a pointing or stone repair training scheme for local people.

Fencing would be improved to prevent further vandalism, the area would be landscaped and better access provided.

A conservation management plan submitted with the application recommends creating a small heritage park around the tower, as an extension to Close Park.

There would also be another archaeological dig around the tower, following the excavation last summer by Dig Greater Manchester.

Opportunities would be provided for schoolchildren, Bury College students and local people to get involved.

A haul road, which was laid in 1979 to provide temporary access to Tower Farm, would be removed.

Improvements would also be carried out to the church yard and to Bealey’s goyt.

When work has finished, the area would be promoted with new signs directing people there, along with information at the tower, church and tithebarn.

The report adds: “On completion of the various works to protect and enhance the area’s heritage, it is essential that this heritage is made known to future audiences, and its value and detail explained and well presented.”

The council’s planning department is consulting on the application and a decision is expected next month.