Bruntwood, Bury unveil plans for Mill Gate first phase
Having been allocated more than £24m for the project, the joint venture is pressing ahead with plans to improve connectivity and public realm within the 15-acre shopping centre estate.
Bruntwood and Bury Council are to launch a public consultation on Monday providing an opportunity for stakeholder feedback ahead of the submission of a planning application for the project before the end of the year.
View the plans – The consultation will run from Monday 9 November to Sunday 29 November, including a drop-in event at Mill Gate on Saturday 21st November.
The scheme, the first phase of a wider plan to redevelop Mill Gate that includes around 300 homes, will see the creation of a public square and improved pedestrian routes between the shopping centre, Bury’s famous market and the transport interchange.
Proposals for Minden and Market Parade include removing vehicle access to create a more welcoming pedestrian route and public space, with trees, planting and seating, the joint venture said.
The aim is to improve connections between town centre assets and make the area around Mill Gate a more attractive place to dwell.
The first phase is supported by £24.1m from GMCA’s Good Growth Fund and would mark the start of a long-term vision set out in the Mill Gate Strategic Regeneration Framework, approved in 2024. Bury and Bruntwood teamed up for the project in 2021.
Chris Roberts, chief development officer at Bruntwood, said: “This first phase is about building on what makes Bury special and making Mill Gate feel more open and better connected to the rest of Bury, with a new public square and spaces where people want to spend time. The people who live, work and trade here know the town centre best, so we want to hear from as many of them as possible before we finalise the design. Their feedback will make a real difference to what we deliver.
“Bury is a town with so much already going for it, but also so much untapped potential. Through these plans we want to build on these existing strengths and create a place that people want to spend time in, businesses can grow and further investment can follow. We’re grateful to GMCA for their initial commitment and show of belief in our vision, and are excited to move these plans forward.”
Cllr Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for regeneration and growth, said: “Mill Gate is a hugely important part of our town centre, and this consultation is a chance for residents, businesses and traders to have a genuine say in its future. These proposals will improve the way people move between Mill Gate, our award-winning Market, the Interchange and Casewells, and give people more reasons to visit Bury and stay longer. I’d encourage everyone to take a look and share their views.”
