A blueprint for a sweeping transformation of Bury town centre has been crafted in a collaborative endeavor between Bruntwood and the local council. The drafted strategic regeneration framework is poised to guide the overhaul of the Mill Gate Shopping Centre and an expansive 27-acre vicinity around it.

The alliance aims to breathe new life into a segment of Bury town centre, diversifying its appeal, leveraging the market’s potential, and envisioning around 800 residential homes. The overarching goal is to morph the town centre into a vibrant mixed-use hub, fulfilling the desires and necessities of both residents and visitors.

Initiated in 2022, the collaboration between Bruntwood and Bury on the Mill Gate project matured earlier this year, with the parties articulating their aspiration to devise a strategic regeneration framework to anchor the ambitious initiative. This framework is the bedrock for what the council hails as “one of the North West’s most audacious regeneration endeavours”.

A pivotal council meeting is on the horizon next week to endorse a public consultation on the Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) — a brainchild of BDP, Layer.studio, and Deloitte — slated for adoption come next spring.

According to a council spokesperson, the document encapsulates a lofty vision of the Mill Gate estate’s evolution over the forthcoming 10-15 years. It’s a response to the evolving retail landscape of the town centre and the demands of local enterprises, residents, and visitors, intertwining sustainability, climate responsiveness, and inclusive growth.

A notable aspect of the plan is leveraging the Levelling Up-funded Bury Flexi Hall project to augment the acclaimed market offer of the town, enhancing the Mill Gate’s appeal.

The unveiling of the draft SRF follows a series of engagements with stakeholders during the summer. It delineates an indicative investment roadmap for the Mill Gate, setting the stage for a comprehensive, structured consultation with all stakeholders.

This rejuvenation project echoes the essence of Stretford Mall’s facelift in Trafford, another Bruntwood and council partnership. The schemes share similarities like the removal of part of the mall’s roof to unveil historic streetscapes and create inviting town plazas.

In Bury, plans include shedding part of Mill Gate’s roof along Union Street and TJ Hughes, and introducing town centre residences. The residential blocks, soaring up to 10 storeys, will emerge post the demolition of certain sections of Mill Gate, mostly nestling to the east of the master plan area near the multistorey car park.

Furthermore, additional homes and a hotel are envisioned north of Bury Market, replacing the current service yards. These proposals are seen as a continuum of ongoing rejuvenation efforts in the town centre, including the forthcoming Flexi Hall events space and enhancements to Bury’s transport interchange, painting a hopeful picture of Bury’s urban transformation.