The council is inviting residents to have their say on plans to transform the Mill Gate Shopping Centre.

Working alongside property company, Bruntwood, the council has launched the public consultation period for the Mill Gate as part of developing its Regeneration Framework (RF).

The joint venture is inviting people to join its consultation events to discuss the plans and see how they will fit into the wider town centre masterplan.

A draft proposal for the Mill Gate proposals will be showcased at two events, which will take place at the shopping centre from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, November 25 and Saturday, January 6.

The council says residents will be given the opportunity to meet with representatives from Bruntwood, the council and the Mill Gate, ask questions about the plans and see how the development will create new jobs, deliver new homes, provide high quality public spaces and improve connectivity. 

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The venture aims to refresh the Mill Gate as a "leading retail destination" within Greater Manchester.

The proposed seven figure regeneration scheme includes the significant redevelopment of the shopping centre and the surrounding areas, as well as enhancing the existing make-up of the town centre.

Spanning 15 acres, the regeneration plans are set to transform the area into a vibrant and dynamic mixed-use community hub, incorporating retail, leisure, hospitality and housing, with sustainability, education and wellness at its heart.

It will also provide workspace facilities directly to the high street.

The scheme also seeks to enhance the surrounding environment to support Bury Market’s long-term success Bruntwood has a strong track record of town centre regeneration.

Its purpose of "creating thriving cities" recognises the need for continuous investment in the town centres that surround them to help each other succeed.

The focus of Bruntwood’s work around reviving town centres is ensuring social, economic and environmental sustainability and creating a space that is dynamic, inspirational and futureproof.

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 instilling a sense of community and creating opportunities through the places people live, work and socialise."

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Council leader, Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, added: “Acquiring the Mill Gate 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.”

The consultation runs from now until January 11 with the RF to be submitted to the council for approval early next year.

The full draft RF is available on the consultation website and people are encouraged to have their say by completing the consultation survey.

The Bruntwood and council joint venture is not responsible for the ongoing work to transform Bury Market and the development of its new flexi-hall.