Arrival imminent: Fresh updates on Radcliffe Revitalisation

The most recent updates on the multi-million pound revitalisation of Radcliffe town centre are being distributed to every household in the town.

Residents are encouraged to peruse the latest edition of Investing in Radcliffe News, which contains all the up-to-date information on what’s in store and when.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, remarked: “The town centre rejuvenation programme has gotten off to a fantastic start. Since the beginning of 2024, I have been thrilled to witness Radcliffe making significant progress towards its future transformation.

“The worn-out buildings on the site of the £40m Radcliffe Hub have been demolished and the area has been cleared, ready for foundation work to commence shortly.

“At Spring Lane, where Radcliffe’s new secondary school will be located, site enabling works are currently in progress and the first group of Year 7 students will be welcomed in September 2024.

“Furthermore, at Redbank Playing Fields, an innovative new 3G football pitch has been completed, with a new pavilion and car park set to be finished by July.

“Substantial progress is also being made towards introducing over 800 new homes on previously developed land in the town, with numerous projects either underway, on the brink of commencing, or in the planning stages.”

For further information on the Radcliffe Regeneration plans, visit the council’s website at https://www.bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=15242.

In March, contractors will strip out the existing buildings before demolition. The land at the front of the site will then be prepared to accommodate modular buildings that will welcome the first intake of students in September 2024. Site preparation and enabling works will commence to the north of the site, in readiness for the construction of the permanent building beginning in early summer.

Under the council’s new transport strategy, additional investments will be made to address congestion, reduce emissions, and enhance air quality. Plans for Radcliffe include improved pedestrian and cycle routes to the Metrolink, enhanced bus services through the Bee Network, a new bridge from Rectory Lane to Milltown Street, as well as more public EV charging points, road safety schemes, and repairs. More information can be found at bury.gov.uk/transportstrategy.

Radcliffe Hub – the current situation

Considerable work has been carried out at the site of the new £40m Radcliffe Hub. Future key stages include: Erection of the steel structure and frame for the Hub (summer 2024); Construction of the walls and roof and work to create the tank for the pool (autumn 2024); Installation of the floors, ceilings, partitions, and furnishings (winter 2024 to spring 2025); Testing of key systems (summer to autumn 2025); Radcliffe Hub opens (2026).

Most of the buildings slated for demolition have been levelled and the debris cleared. Enabling works are taking place at Radcliffe Market in the basement, and a new gable wall has been erected. Scaffolding is up at Market Chambers, where internal and external repairs are underway. Hoardings with attractive panels have been erected around the construction site to enhance the appearance and showcase Radcliffe and the community.

The next phase

In the upcoming weeks, the former TSB building (adjacent to Radcliffe Market) will be demolished, and piling and foundation works will commence for the construction of the hub. Renovation of Market Chambers and the Market Basement will also kick off.

Radcliffe Market will remain open throughout the duration of the work, and other businesses in the town centre will continue to operate as usual.

Over 800 new homes on brownfield sites coming to Radcliffe

Various brownfield sites across Radcliffe are being transformed to rejuvenate the area and provide appealing, much-needed new homes.

With the assistance of a £1.95m grant from the Brownfield Housing Fund, Kellen Homes is converting land at York Street to deliver 211 brand-new houses, anticipated to be completed by 2026.

Approximately 400 homes will be constructed at the former East Lancs Paper Mill site by Morris Homes. Construction of a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom houses, as well as two-bedroom apartments, will begin in winter 2024.

Construction is already underway on 132 1-bed and 2-bed apartments at Green Street, the majority of which will be affordable housing, with ground floor retail/food and beverage units. Completion is anticipated by 2026.

Hive Homes will commence site works this spring to introduce 90 two, three, and four-bed family homes in School Street.

Demolition of the disused building at Whittaker Street will commence shortly, with the potential to provide 25 new homes on the site.

Radcliffe’s revolutionary 3G pitch

The new £2.4m 3G pitch at Redbank Playing Fields is now operational, with the construction of a new pavilion and car park set to be completed by July 2024.

The facility will be managed by Radcliffe Football Foundation, a partnership between Radcliffe Juniors and Radcliffe FC, alongside representatives from other key clubs and community groups in Radcliffe.

Support for robust, resilient communities

Around £100k of LET’S Do It community fund grants have been awarded to 11 local community groups to aid in carrying out environmental enhancements, supporting early years development, promoting health and wellbeing, and providing befriending services.

Press release issued: 19th March 2024.