Manchester master planners URBED (Urbanism Environment and Design) have been appointed by Bury Council to draw up a regeneration for Prestwich Village to assess the current health of the town centre.

It follows similar studies that have been carried out for Bury and Radcliffe. The purpose of the strategy is to provide a sustainable vision for the future of the town and to guide future development.

The strategy should result in a range of developments across the town centre that mean more choice for local shoppers, new employment opportunities and new homes bringing about a prosperous future for the community. Over the next few months URBED will consult with local residents, traders and shoppers.

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The Council has already been approached by a number of investors looking to be a part of the regeneration strategy.

Graham Atkinson Executive Director for Environment and Development Services said: "The future for Prestwich is a very exciting one and we are delighted that companies are showing their interest this early on. We have not asked anyone to prepare redevelopment proposals although we have received some ideas from a local company.

“There is a lot of work and consultation with local people still to be had before the master plan, and individual development proposals such as those recently put forward for the Longfield Centre, can be finalised."

The first date for interested parties is the next Local Area Partnership meeting at Sedgley Park Primary School where URBED will be giving presentations on 4th March. This will be followed by a consultation workshop on 13th March at the Longfield Suite. Further details of these consultation events can be found on Bury Council's website - see: www.bury.gov.uk/prestwichregeneration.

(JM)