RADICAL plans to regenerate Radcliffe have been hailed as a ‘new deal’ for the town.

Council chiefs this week told the Bury Times that the huge overhaul, which is part of a 15-year strategic framework (SRF), is a 'top priority'.

These major changes will 'go further' and be 'more comprehensive' than any previous regeneration plans, town hall bosses said.

Among the developments will be new and revitalised provisions in leisure, retail, housing, transport, education and business infrastructure.

With additional economic impacts of Covid-19, council bosses described the regeneration proposals as "even more important now" to revitalise the town and surrounding area.

Their comments came ahead of a public consultation on the proposals which is set to begin this week.

Geoff Little, chief executive of Bury Council, said: “The council is committed to the regeneration of Radcliffe and feedback over recent years is that people in Radcliffe want confidence that any plans are backed up action.

“The SRF is a new deal for Radcliffe. It’s a comprehensive set of proposals that has been drafted by listening to those who live, work and choose to spend their leisure time here.”

Key elements of the SRF include a new central public hub, featuring retail, offices, civic spaces and cafes.

Refurbishments are also planned at the Market Chambers to provide a space for activities, community groups and start-up businesses.

Changes will be made to 'open-up' the area around the River Irwell, combining improvements to the river walkway and a new riverside public space.

There will also be further improvements to other public areas, especially around the Piazza, civic spots and key routes through the town ­— such as Blackburn Street.

Business strategies are being drawn up to support retail in both the town's daytime and nighttime economies.

And there are plans to create more job opportunities in the town centre with both small start-ups and large firms.

In regards to education, the outcome of a funding bid for a new secondary school in Radcliffe is due to be announced in the coming weeks.

If successful the council hope to incorporate this into the regeneration plans.

Significant levels of new homes are being promised, many of which will be “affordable”, the council says.

These would be built on brownfield land located in and around the town centre and include a mix of house types and sizes.

New leisure facilities are also promised and could be incorporated into the hub or new secondary school.

To bolster transport, a revised car parking strategy has been drawn up for the town, including residents’ parking.

This will feed into an environmentally friendly vision to encourage sustainable travel by promoting use of buses and trams, and walking and cycling around the town.

Further infrastructural strategies will also be developed around transport and digital technology to "sustain economic growth and promote ‘green’ energy".

Although various elements of the SRF will likely be brought in at different times over the next decade-and-a-half, it is hoped that the key interventions will be delivered early – including the proposed new secondary school, leisure facilities and public hub.

Mr Little said: “Radcliffe wants and needs a new future, which brings together the public and private sector – and crucially residents themselves – to make a real and substantial difference to the town and people’s lives.

“These plans are aimed at attracting new public and private investment into the town centre, bringing in more people during the day and evening.

“Importantly, these proposals will be linked with the various proposals on the fringe of the town, including new housing at the former East Lancs Paper Mill site, the new secondary school and improvements to the tram stop.”

"Significant funding" will be required to achieve the regeneration strategy, town hall chiefs said.

To this end, the Council said it is looking to create a Council Investment Fund to bring in outside funding to support.

It is also working to put itself in a position to bid for any funding which may become available at a regional or national level, alongside cash from the private sector.

Leadership on the SRF proposals and will be taken by Bury Council through its Council Investment Fund, alongside other key stakeholders, including Transport for Greater Manchester, Environment Agency, GM Combined Authority, and community and business groups.

Meanwhile, engagement with the public will continue as the SRF project moves forward, the council said.

A SRF public consultation will run between June 22 and August 3 and leaflets detailing the plans will be sent to residents.