Bury’s former post office building is set to be transformed into "high end" apartments.

The Crompton Street building, which is a striking example of 19th century Queen Anne style architecture, is the subject of plans which would see it converted it into 16 apartments.

Crompton Living Ltd wish to bring the former Bury General Post Office back into use after its previous occupants, a children’s nursery and play centre vacated the premises in May 2020.

The post office closed in the mid-1990s.

Documents submitted to the council in support of a change of use application, state: “The applicant has undertaken a review of housing demand in the area and considers that this type of property is very much in demand for the area and would be an appropriate use for the property, providing well maintained and high-end accommodation in a very sustainable location.

“The applicant intends on investing a lot of money and time to bring this old traditional building to life to ensure it does not fall into state of disrepair. Such enterprise should be supported and the proposal would be beneficial to all businesses in around Crompton Street.”

The building has recently been listed for sale on property websites for a price of around £500,000.

The building is close to the Mill Gate Shopping Centre and Rock developments and just yards from the Metrolink terminal.

In the documents the applicant points out that a Bury town centre conservation area appraisal previously highlighted the risk of the old post office building being underused.

The appraisal stated: “Few buildings in Bury conservation area are entirely empty and at risk of neglect.

“Exceptions include the fine former post office building on Crompton Street.”

Addressing the fact that the building is in Bury town centre’s conservation area the application said "the proposal will not result in any harm".

They added: “The increase in people is likely to increase local spend which will contribute to keeping the surrounding units occupied.

“The proposals will not impact on the buildings frontage and the change of use will not impact on the viability and vitality of the shopping centre.”

The council deemed that a change of use decision was not required for the plans.