New images released for Radcliffe regen

Designs for the £40m civic hub are still in flux, but new CGIs show the direction Bury Council is moving in.

The CGIs were shared in the council’s Investing in Radcliffe News, a document that is being sent to every house in the town.

Included in the first edition is an update on all of its major Radcliffe regeneration projects.

The school

Detailed design work has begun on the 750-place Radcliffe High School, which will be run by Star Multi Academy Trust. The council estimates building work will start in September 2023. The high school is set to open in autumn 2024.

• Read more: Regeneration and hope in Radcliffe

The civic hub

Bury is aiming to start demolition later this year to make way for the £40m Radcliffe Civic Hub, which will act as a library, community space and leisure centre. Designs for the project are to be finalised before year-end. When construction begins, Bury estimates it will last until summer 2024.

The scheme will be net zero in operation and have solar panels to help provide clean power.

Even though designs are not finalised, Bury has outlined what the new civic hub will consist of.

The leisure aspect of the hub will have a six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool and a second training and teaching pool. There will also be a 100-station gym with two fitness studios, consultation rooms for one-to-one wellbeing discussions, accessible changing areas, multiple climbing walls, a café, a rooftop activity space.

The library will be open seven days a week and will have a children’s library on the ground floor with sensory pods to help those with autism and other needs. There will be a community space, improved computer access, and a dedicated area for local archives.

The enterprise and skills centre

Once the Radcliffe Library has moved into the civic hub, work will begin on transforming the old library site off Stand Lane into an enterprise and skills centre. The site will also have space for skills development, adult learning, and council services.

Market Chambers

The building will be fully refurbished, according to Bury Council. The local authority also wants to build a balcony onto Radcliffe Market and create a flexible event space in the market basement.  Bury’s plans call for the demolition of the old TSB building to improve access to the market basement and upper floors of the building by creating an external terrace.

‘Radcliffe is most definitely on the up’

Bury Council Leader Cllr Eamonn O’Brien confirmed the local authority’s commitment to the town.

“Unprecedented sums of money are being invested in Radcliffe to bring about major physical improvements, create new facilities, and make the right environment for communities to prosper, renew pride in their town and live their best lives,” he said.

“As Radcliffe’s regeneration programme gets underway, people across the town can genuinely look forward to a brighter future.

“With a brand-new school, plus modern town centre facilities for leisure, plus a new library and wellbeing, learning and cultural opportunities, Radcliffe is most definitely on the up.”