Bernstein to lead Radcliffe transformation
Former Manchester City Council chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein has been appointed as chair of the Bury Council-led board heading up the town’s regeneration.
Bernstein said: “As a resident of Bury, I am very happy to support the council and residents at the start of the journey for transforming their town centre.
“We will be working hard over the coming months to shape real improvements that will provide the platform for long-term change and ensure that everyone who lives and works in Radcliffe will have a town centre that will once again be a vibrant and important part of their lives.”
Plans for Radcliffe town centre include creating a mixed-use civic hub and improvements to the existing Radcliffe Piazza.
Under the development framework, drawn up by consultancy Deloitte Real Estate and signed off by the council in September, the Market Hall will also be expanded and the Market Chambers building repurposed to provide flexible working space.
The framework also includes plans for 400 homes on the site of the former East Lancashire Paper Mill, while a site next to Millwood Primary Special School has been earmarked for housing with the potential for 90 homes.
A new secondary school is also proposed.
Landscape architect Planit-IE has been appointed to consult on public realm improvements to the piazza, Blackburn Street and other key routes.
Bernstein held the role of chief executive at Manchester City Council from 1998 to 2017,when he was replaced by Joanne Roney.
He is credited with stewarding the regeneration of Manchester after the IRA bomb in 1996.
Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, said: “The transformation of Radcliffe town centre is one of our very top priorities. This project will regenerate key sites to ensure the future prosperity of the town and help to reduce inequalities for its residents.
“Sir Howard will help drive forward our ambitious plans. His experience is unmatched and to have a ‘big hitter’ like him on board will give all our partners confidence that our vision will become reality.”
I’ve been in Radcliffe shopping centre a few times last 12 months and it needs s total overhaul. It’s outdated and like many small town centres dying on its knees with half the shops empty. Retail parks and online shopping is the way forward.
By Born bred Darren.
Believe it when i see it already scrapped plan for school and decided to build homes on site will they change mind again and build something else on that new site for school as well we will see dont hold your breath
By Mr dalton
Fantastic, just what our hometown Radcliffe needs. Hopefully can be part of the scheme to help bring the local town back to life.
By Sara from Open Space Aluminium