Work is expected to start on the travel hub aspect later this year after hybrid plans to revamp the Longfield Centre received approval from the authority’s planning committee.

Prestwich Regeneration LLP, a joint venture between placemaker Muse and Bury Council, will deliver retail and public spaces, community facilities, and homes off Bury New Road.

The regeneration plans have been shaped with input from the community during the consultation, with changes including live event spaces, a market hall, and more community and green spaces.

Further changes were made in April with the inclusion of more parking spaces in the travel hub, up from 275 to 300, as well as EV charging points and cycle storage, with work on this expected to start on site later this year.

The plans approved by Bury Council’s planning committee this week include:

  • A 30,000 sq ft community hub featuring a library and flexible community space that can be used for events, clubs, and art and culture. Discussions about developing a Prestwich Health Centre here are ongoing with the NHS and local GP practices.
  • A village square with family-friendly spaces designed to provide space for pop-up events like markets, food festivals, art exhibitions, and live performances.
  • A 6,500 sq ft market hall with smaller spaces for local retailers, including a food hall and communal seating that spills out onto the village square.
  • Flexible retail and leisure spaces across the site to complement the high street including a gym.
  • Landscaped outdoor and green spaces.
  • Removal of the existing fountain with public art installations to be incorporated throughout the development.
  • Landscaping connecting with public spaces in the village.
  • Relocation of car parking in the centre of the site to a travel hub off Fairfax Road, which will contain electric vehicle charging points, cycle storage, and parcel lockers.
  • Around 200 homes, as part of the outline application, include a mix of affordable properties for first-time buyers, growing families, and downsizers. The design, materials, and style for this element of the scheme will be detailed in a future planning application.

The team for the project features Asteer Planning, Jon Matthews Architects, Hannan Associates, Planit, and Civic Engineers.

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, said: “These are truly transformative plans which will reshape Prestwich village – from new housing to shops, leisure facilities and a better living environment.

“Regeneration of our town centres is a crucial part of ensuring that the whole of our borough can prosper and thrive for many generations to come, and we’re looking forward to working with our partners to bring the new Prestwich to life.”

Joe Stockton, senior development manager at Muse, added: “This is a huge moment for Prestwich. The overhaul of the Longfield Centre will create a new beating heart for the village packed with community facilities, spaces for local businesses to thrive, and much-needed new homes.

“Thanks to all the people who took part in the conversation over the last couple of years, we were blown away by the passion local people have for the area.

“Working together we’ve created a new village centre that everyone can be proud of and that will cement Prestwich as one of the best places to live for decades to come.”

To view the plans, search for application reference number 70449 on Bury Council’s planning portal.