Radcliffe call centre could become warehouse

It has been a year since Capita relocated the staff of the former Tesco Mobile call centre to Preston Brook. Now, a change of use application has been lodged with Bury Council to transform the vacant building on Dumers Lane into a warehouse.

Dwyer Asset Management is handling the application on behalf of the owners of the more than three-acre site, Dumers Lane Ltd.

In a planning statement by Iceni Projects, Dumers Lane argued that the push to hybrid working post-pandemic had reduced the need for office space, thus making it prudent to switch the call centre to an industrial use.

The nearly 88,000 sq ft building had actually been intended to be a warehouse when it was being built in 1999. Then-owner Ron Wood Developments had planned to deliver the scheme for Birthdays Greeting Cards. However, soon after planning permission for the warehouse was secured, it was decided the three-storey building would be better suited for a call centre.

When the call centre eventually closed in 2021, around 500 employees had their jobs relocated.

In July of this year, Bury Council signed off plans to demolish the car park that had sat on part of the site, thus opening it up for redevelopment.

Under the proposals in the change-of-use application, Dumers Lane would construct a new site entrance for the warehouse, as well as install loading and delivery doors. There would be an additional pedestrian entrance with an intercom for safety reasons.

Outside of the building, a 135-space car park would be set up, complete with three electric vehicle charging bays and seven spaces designated as for those who are disabled.

There would also be a covered shelter capable of holding 16 bikes.

RGP Architects designed the proposal. The project team includes Mode Transport Planning, Delta Simons, Townsend Water Engineering, and Professional Consult.

The application’s reference number with Bury Council is 68738.

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