Bury Council’s cabinet approves formation of Muse Prestwich JV

Bury Council’s cabinet has yesterday formally approved the principles behind a 50:50 joint venture with leading town and city-centre regenerator, Muse Developments, to bring forward the repurposing and regeneration of Prestwich village.

Following the council’s purchase of the Longfield Centre and decision to form a JV with Muse, the team will be working on a draft masterplan, which will be informed by the shared vision to deliver a revitalised village that has been transformed into a vibrant and connected mixed-use destination.

Partners hold collective aspirations to deliver a new central destination with extensive public realm improvements, that is inclusive to the local community, facilitates business and economic growth and cultivates enterprise.

A key part of partners’ proposals will be the delivery of a community hub, which will host a range of public services, along with a number of community and wellbeing spaces, such as a library, fitness suite and performance area.

Sustainability will feature heavily throughout the development, with proposals set to include a focus on walking and cycling, sustainable technology for heat and power, urban drainage systems, along with public spaces that encourage natural biodiversity improvements.

David Burkinshaw, development director at Muse Developments, said: “We’re pleased that the council has approved the formation of a JV with Muse and we’re keen to start working up proposals on this fantastic opportunity.

“We’re looking forward to meeting the community in due course to discuss these proposals and work with them to bring them forward together. Our approach to repurposing Prestwich Village will be to create an inclusive, connected and sustainable scheme that will enable Prestwich to thrive and prosper in the long term.”

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, said: “The regeneration of our town centres is a crucial part of our strategy to make sure all areas of our borough can flourish for generations to come.

“This is the biggest single investment we have ever put into Prestwich as we are determined to transform the town and bring about much-needed improvement for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors.

“By signing this agreement, we will be taking another clear step towards the delivery of our ambitions for Prestwich regeneration.”

Muse Developments is one of the UK’s premier names in delivering innovative spaces and places in towns and cities, through long-term partnerships with both the public and private sector. Muse is part of Morgan Sindall Group plc – the leading construction and regeneration group.

The next phase for the partnership is to create the JV, establish a development brief for the first phase, while developing an outline draft masterplan prior to consultation.