Views sought on transformation of Bury town centre 

Bruntwood and the local council have drawn up a draft strategic regeneration framework to underpin proposals to overhaul Mill Gate Shopping Centre and the surrounding 27 acres. 

The joint venture is working to revitalise part of Bury town centre by diversifying what it offers, making the most of the market, and delivering around 800 homes.  

It is hoped that various interventions will lead to the creation of a cohesive mixed-use town centre that meets the needs of residents and visitors. 

View the Mill Gate SRF

Having partnered up on the Mill Gate project in 2022, Bruntwood and Bury fleshed out their vision for the site earlier this year and announced their intention to draw up a strategic regeneration framework to anchor the project.

The framework will pave the way for what the council describes as “one of the North West’s most ambitious regeneration projects”. 

Bury Council’s cabinet will meet next week to approve a public consultation on the SRF – devised by BDP, Layer.studio, and Deloitte – before it is adopted next spring. 

A council spokesperson said: “The document provides a high-level vision of how the Mill Gate estate could evolve over the next 10-15 years in response to the challenges of the changing town centre retail market and respond to the requirements of local businesses, residents and visitors to the town – alongside a response to issues of sustainability, climate change and inclusive growth. 

“Integral to the plan is the ability for the Mill Gate to capitalise on the Levelling Up-funded Bury Flexi Hall project and complement the important market offer for which the town is famous.”  

The spokesperson added: “The release of the draft Strategic Regeneration Framework follows engagement activity that was carried out with stakeholders over the summer period. It sets out an indicative plan for investment in the Mill Gate and will facilitate a process of detailed, structured consultation with all stakeholders.”

The redevelopment of Mill Gate has many similarities with the revamp of Stretford Mall in Trafford, a project Bruntwood is delivering in partnership with Trafford Council. 

Learn more about the transformation of Stretford Mall

There, part of the roof of the existing mall is being removed, opening up the site’s historic streetscape and affording the creation of a town plaza. 

In Bury, Bruntwood is planning to get rid of part of Mill Gate’s roof along Union Street and TJ Hughes, according to the SRF. 

The introduction of town centre homes also forms a key part of Bruntwood’s plans in both Bury and Stretford.  

In Bury, these will be delivered across blocks rising to 10 storeys to be delivered following the demolition of sections of Mill Gate. Most of the blocks will be located to the east of the masterplan area close to the multistorey car park.  

There will be more homes, alongside a hotel, situated on land just north of Bury Market currently used as service yards, according to the draft SRF. 

The proposals outlined in the regeneration framework aim to build upon schemes already in the works in the town centre, including the creation of the Flexi Hall events space close to the market, and upgrades to Bury’s transport interchange.

Chris Roberts, chief development officer at Bruntwood, said: “Throughout our consultation, we want to reassure Bury’s community the future of the Mill Gate will reflect its own unique town centre character as well as residents’ day to day needs and the visitor economy. Our commitment to transforming the wider Bury area goes beyond developing new housing, retail units and flexible workspace, but builds on the existing success of Bury’s communities by creating opportunities through the places people live, work and socialise.” 

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Leader of Bury Council, said “Acquiring the Mill Gate centre has given us a tremendous opportunity, working with Bruntwood, to improve the town centre for decades to come. This complements our proposals to boost Bury Market with a new flexi-hall and the transformation of the adjacent transport interchange.   

“Times change, as do people’s shopping habits, and we need to make these long-term plans to ensure the future prosperity of our town, generating jobs and investment, and creating places where people want to live. 

“It’s essential that everyone in Bury can play their part in helping to shape these ambitious proposals, and I urge everyone to look at the options and have their say during this consultation period.”