Public consultation under way on town centre masterplans

Ambitious plans to regenerate the heart of Bury and Ramsbottom are now out for public consultation until 15 February.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of the council, said: “These are major proposals, designed to improve our town centres, adapt to the many challenges of today, and ensure that they can flourish for generations to come. I urge everyone to read the plans and give us their views.”

The Bury town centre masterplan

This sets out a long-term vision for the next 15-20 years. It includes a transformation of the town centre, especially around the Mill Gate centre with new shops, leisure, residential and business opportunities.

Other proposals include a new Flexi Hall next to Bury Market, a new transport interchange and wider education and employment opportunities.

Cllr O’Brien said: “Bury is the biggest economic centre in the borough, and will need to adapt to the rapidly changing economic landscape facing high streets across the country.

“The centres that survive will be those which are able to adapt to provide a diverse range of visitor and leisure attractions, modern workplaces and a reconfigured and varied retail experience that is supported by good public transport accessibility and a high-quality pedestrian experience.”

View the plans

All the details, including Frequently Asked Questions, are on the council’s website here: bury.gov.uk/burymasterplan.

If you don’t have internet access: call the Bury town centre hotline on 0161 253 6161, leave your name and telephone number and someone will return your call.

In addition, copies of the masterplan can be viewed at Bury Town Hall and Bury Library.

Have your say

Complete the online response form at: bury.gov.uk/burymasterplan.

Alternatively, submit comments via email to burytcmasterplan@bury.gov.ukor by post to: Strategic Planning and Infrastructure (Bury town centre Masterplan), 3 Knowsley Place, Bury BL9 0EJ

The Ramsbottom town centre plan

This sets out a vision to build on the town’s success and guide future interventions for the next 10 to 15 years.

The plan proposes a series of improvement projects to enhance Ramsbottom as a place to live, work and visit. These include: a new public square/events space; new and improved walking and cycling routes linking the centre with key locations such as Nuttall Park and the river front; a new enterprise centre in the Market Chambers building to provide space for businesses/flexi work-space; and a strategy to improve car parking for residents, workers and visitors.

Cllr O’Brien said: “Ramsbottom has developed into an attractive visitor destination, supported by the East Lancashire Railway, a high-quality restaurant scene, a range of independent retailers, a popular annual events programme and a growing reputation as one of the best places to live in the region.

“However, it is not immune from the challenges that town centres across the country have faced, with the decline of the high street and the ravages of Covid.

“We need a plan which will enable the town centre to adapt to the changes so that Ramsbottom can continue to be an appealing place to visit and a great place to live and work.”

View the plans

All the details, including Frequently Asked Questions, are on the council’s website here: bury.gov.uk/ramsbottomtcplan

If you don’t have internet access: call the Ramsbottom town centre hotline on 0161 253 6161, leave your name and telephone number and someone will return your call.

In addition, copies of the masterplan can be viewed at Bury Town Hall and Ramsbottom.

Have your say

Complete the online response form at: bury.gov.uk/ramsbottomtcplan

Alternatively, submit comments via email to ramsbottomplan@bury.gov.uk or by post to: Strategic Planning and Infrastructure (Ramsbottom Town Centre plan), 3 Knowsley Place, Duke Street, Bury BL9 0EJ.