AMBITIOUS plans to transform Radcliffe Town Centre and create a new vibrant hub within Bury Market have today been revealed.

Images released show the radical transformation of Radcliffe's existing 1960s precinct into a modern leisure, health and retail complex ­— and the development of a new 'flexi -hall' with Bury Market which will host pop-up stalls, live performances and community events.

Bids totalling £40M have been submitted to the Government's Levelling Up Fund to support the developments and say Bury Council, 'accelerate the transformative regeneration programme already being developed in Radcliffe and bolster Bury town centre's economy.

Bury Times: Radcliffe Hub

(Radcliffe Hub)

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, leader of the council, said: “Response, recovery and regeneration are the over-riding priorities for the council, and with these bids we are stepping up our ambitions to create the largest regeneration in a generation for the people of our borough.

“We are forging our own plans to bounce back post-Covid and create prosperity and opportunities for all sections of the community, and we hope the Government will match our ambitions on this.

“The bids will support our aims to transform the heart of Radcliffe, alongside a new high school, leisure centre, retail and offices; and to create a multi-purpose flexi-hall adjacent to Bury Market to make the whole area even more attractive to shoppers and visitors.

“We look forward to hearing some good news from the Government so we can drive forward the regeneration of our town centres.”

Bury Times: Eamonn O'Neil

(Eamonn O'Brien)

The Levelling Up bid is for a new civic hub, to play a central role in the Radcliffe Regeneration masterplan.

The civic hub will be a modern new build, located on the south block of the existing 1960s precinct and will contain leisure, library, and learning facilities, council and NHS services to support wellness and skills development, as well as high quality retail, food and beverage outlets, and community events space.

Wider regeneration includes: refurbishment of the market basement and the revamping of market chambers; new leisure facilities; a new secondary school on the Coney Green site: and strategies for housing and transport.

Bury Times: Bury Flexi Hall

The 'flexi hall'  (pictured) in Bury will host food and drink festivals as well as seasonal offerings, such as Christmas markets.

There will be a cafe bar, office space and areas to run programmes, such and promoting health and wellbeing and digital skills.

The Levelling Up Fund was announced in the 2021 Budget and bids can be submitted for capital building projects including transport projects, regeneration and town centre investment and cultural investment.

News of Bury’s bids is expected in the autumn.

The total cost of both schemes is estimated at £62 million.