The council has asked the architects of a 'flagship' Radcliffe building to come up with new designs after a public backlash.

The proposed Radcliffe Hub will play a central role in the £40m regeneration of the town centre, from a revitalised Market Chambers to a new civic hub, which will be home to much-improved library and leisure facilities.

Leaflets outlining the plans are being sent out Radcliffe households, but the initial reaction to the external design of the civic hub has been largely negative.

Many residents said the the exterior design of primarily brown metal cladding made the hub ‘look like a prison’ and one dubbed the building ‘the Radcliffe rustbucket’.

A council spokesman said: “It is essential that Radcliffe residents and business are fully behind the town’s regeneration, and play a crucial role in how the new town centre will look.

“Until now, we had worked closely with local people on designs for the new civic hub – but these new images do not reflect the results of those discussions.

“We have listened to the views expressed so far, and have instructed the architects to revise the design. Updated images will be available for people to view at the upcoming consultation sessions.

“We invite all Radcliffe residents to attend these public meetings where they can view the plans, meet the teams, ask questions and submit their views.

“Everything associated with Radcliffe regeneration will at all times be co-produced with the local community, and we will ensure the architects take this on board moving forward.”

Details of the Radcliffe town centre project are on the council’s website at www.bury.gov.uk/radclifferegen-summer2022.

Here are details of the consultation meetings:

Radcliffe Library

Tuesday, August 16 - 9.30am to 12.30pm

Thursday, August 18 - 4pm to 7pm

Radcliffe Leisure Centre

Tuesday, August 23 - 9.30am to 12:30pm

Thursday, August 25 - 3pm to 7pm

Radcliffe Market

Saturday, September 10 - 10am to 12.30pm

Alternatively, people can complete an online survery from Monday, August 15 at www.bury.gov.uk/radclifferegen-summer2022

People can also visit the Radcliffe Regeneration Office. Go to www.bury.gov.uk/radclifferegeneration-office for current opening times.

Alternatively email radclifferegeneration@bury.gov.uk or call 0161 253 7760.