Bury Council are aiming to drive forward the regeneration of the town centre through a batch of new affordable homes.

The current plan is to redevelop the site of the former leisure centre in Green Street to deliver 133 new homes, 75% of which will be affordable.

This includes a standalone private rented block and mixed-use commercial building for new offices and ground floor retail/food and beverage units.

Bury Council's cabinet, in a meeting on October 13, will be asked to approve the project approved by Watson Homes, which will include a mix of small one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.

Cllr Clare Cummins, cabinet member for housing services, said: "Our housing strategy aims to develop a range of housing across the borough that can meet the needs of a ll ages, family size and income.

"With such a high percentage of affordable housing, this site at Green Street will be perfect for smaller households and young people."

Rob Watson, director of Watson Homes, said: "We have a longstanding commitment to building affordable homes and, in doing so, collaborate closely with our partners, supply chain and local people across the North West.

"It's great to work with Bury Council to help bring its ambitious regeneration vision for Radcliffe to life."

The site is also currently being used by the NHS as a Covid-19 testing centre, and will continue to be until it is no longer required.

Council leader, Eamonn O'Brien said: "This is a key site in the Radcliffe Regeneration Framework.

"This initiative will provide people with much-needed new homes, and create new employment opportunities - and all on a brownfield site too.

"I would like to thank Watson Homes for their ambitious plans on this site and for showing the potential we can unlock in Radcliffe through our regeneration efforts."

Across the wider North West, Watson Homes has completed 516 affordable homes and currently has 531 under construction, with over 1,000 to go to site in 2022-23.