Prestwich's £100 million regeneration is set to become visible after Bury Council appointed a specialist demolition contractor to start clearing the Longfield Centre site.

The programme will deliver around 250 new homes, expanded retail and community facilities, a much larger library and improved public spaces, while maintaining access to NHS services, to create a bigger, better village centre.

The council said taking the site into public ownership prevented decline and enabled it to shape a future centre that meets local needs. Appointing the demolition contractor marks the moment when a long‑held ambition turns into visible progress.

Cllr Eamonn O'Brien, Leader of Bury Council, said: "As someone who was born and brought up here in Prestwich, I feel genuinely proud to see this level of investment coming into our town. It feels like a real opportunity to bring new life into the place we care about, with new homes, new spaces for local businesses and proper places for the community to come together.

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"I've seen how the Travel Hub was delivered on time, and it gives me confidence that the same care and determination will go into the next stages of the town centre plans.

"There will be some disruption – but that's part of any big change. I'll be making a point of supporting our local shops and independents throughout, and I’d encourage everyone else in Prestwich to do the same.

"For me, this is about getting the best for Prestwich. We’ve needed a modern, vibrant Prestwich Village for a long time, and without the funding that’s now been secured, none of these improvements would have been possible.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the plans take shape and understanding what comes next for our town centre. It's an exciting moment for Prestwich, and I want us all to feel part of what's being created here."

DSM Demolition Ltd will now begin preparing the site so the next phase can move forward. Their selection via a regulated national framework is designed to ensure the work is handled safely and efficiently, and to keep the scheme on track to secure £35m from the Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund.

Activity will begin once the library has completed its relocation and essential surveys are finished. The council will provide regular updates and aims to keep disruption to the minimum necessary for safety.

Wider plans include homes built to modern standards, a larger library, community rooms, a Market Hall championing local independents, more green space and a bigger, more welcoming village square. The council thanked residents and businesses for their patience as this once‑in‑a‑generation investment progresses, saying this milestone is the first step in bringing those benefits to life.