New future for former police HQ

Thursday, 1 June 2023 08:20

By David Murphy

The former police HQ in Bury town centre is to be given a bright new future as the site for two much-needed care homes.

The Irwell Street building has been vacant since 2016 and demolition began in 2018.

Now council leaders are set to approve a deal to sell the site to Exemplar Healthcare (Cairnwell Developments) in order that they can build specialist residential care homes for 80 people with complex needs. The phased development could create up to 100 jobs, and the buildings – likely to be three storeys high - would cause less overshadowing for nearby residents than the old six-storey police HQ did.

The move is set to be approved by members of the council’s cabinet when it meets on 7 June.

Councillor Clare Cummins, cabinet member for housing services, said: “We need a wide range of housing across Bury, suitable for every section of society: single people, families, elderly and those living with a disability.

“This is an excellent site which will provide much-needed accommodation and support for 80 people. Bringing the area back into use will also benefit the environment, not least for residents who live nearby.”

And Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, said: “Our priority for new housing is always ‘brownfield first’, and this is an ideal way to provide social care to our vulnerable residents on a long-derelict site.

“With the new jobs it will bring, and the benefits to local residents, it really is a win-win situation.”

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Children lead the way as Freehold estate praised for pioneering police partnership

Pupils at Broadfield Park Primary School have been hailed for their role in helping Greater Manchester Police tackle organised crime on the Freehold estate.
Exhibition train marking 200 years of rail travel to stop in Bury

A free family-friendly exhibition train celebrating 200 years of modern railway history is set to arrive in Bury in January as part of a nationwide tour.
Emergency road closure on Milnrow Road for final phase of major gas works

A key section of the A640 Milnrow Road in Rochdale has been closed to allow urgent gas mains upgrade work, as part of a £75 million project by Cadent.
Middleton residents share bold ideas for town’s future at MMDC event

Residents in Middleton took part in a community event at the Edgar Wood Rooms to share ideas for the town’s future. The session followed the launch of the Middleton Mayoral Development Corporation, introduced the night before by actor Steve Coogan and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
Middleton hits reset as Mayoral Development Corporation launches with community backing and call for change

Middleton’s regeneration took a major step forward tonight, Wednesday 19 November, with the launch of the Middleton Mayoral Development Corporation, known as MMDC, a new public body that promises to transform the town through investment, housing and community-led development.
New maternity membership offers discounts for mums across Greater Manchester

A Rochdale mother has launched a new discount membership platform to support women during pregnancy and maternity leave.
Hundreds of homes on Littleborough’s countryside set for approval

Hundreds of new homes are set to be built on the Littleborough countryside near a popular beauty spot.
Town to get ‘real boost’ from major planning reforms

Housebuilding next to train stations being given a default ‘yes’, will be a real boost for Castleton, says the town’s MP.
Plans for battery storage plant on green belt next to country park approved after ‘knife edge’ vote

A battery energy storage plant is to be built on green belt land close to a country park.
Hotel expansion approved

A hotel on the edge of Bury and Heywood will be expanded to create space for 30 new bedrooms.
New drive-thru planned for Sandbrook Park

The former home of a dessert takeaway in Rochdale could soon be transformed into a drive-thru restaurant.
Pensioner’s battle over her blue bin

A pensioner who struggles to lug her bins from her garage to the pavement said she has been left dumbfounded by a string of missed collections.