The former police headquarters in Bury town centre is set to be the new site for two new care homes.

The Irwell Street building was emptied in 2016 and the demolition process began in 2018.

Council leaders are set to approve a deal to sell the site to Exemplar Healthcare (Cairnwell Developments) so they can build specialist residential care homes for 80 people with complex needs.

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The development could create up to 100 jobs, and the buildings, which are likely to be three storeys high, would cause less overshadowing for nearby residents than the former six-storey police headquarters did.

The move is set to be approved by members of the council’s cabinet when it meets next week on Wednesday, June 7.

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Cllr Clare Cummins, the council's cabinet member for housing services, said: “We need a wide range of housing across Bury, suitable for every section of society- single people, families, elderly and those living with a disability.

“This is an excellent site which will provide much-needed accommodation and support for 80 people.

“Bringing the area back into use will also benefit the environment, not least for residents who live nearby.”

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Council leader, Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, added: “Our priority for new housing is always ‘brownfield first’, and this is an ideal way to provide social care to our vulnerable residents on a long-derelict site.

“With the new jobs it will bring, and the benefits to local residents, it really is a win-win situation.”

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