We are working with joint venture partners, Ask Developments, to create an exciting new quarter for Bury. Together we are AskBury.
The £70 million Townside development, masterplanned by architects Carey Jones, will include new offices, retail and leisure units, as well as extensive public landscaping and new apartments.
The development framework for the whole 165,000 sq ft scheme, located opposite Bury Town Hall, was formally agreed in 2006 following extensive consultation and public exhibitions.
For more information on the consultation process go to the Townside - background to the development web page.
New offices and medical centre
Plans were agreed in February this year for 40,000 sq ft of offices which will be used by Bury Council, with 7,500 sq ft of ground floor retail and leisure units as well as a 45,000 sq ft building, designed by architects Hurd Rolland, which has been pre-let to Bury Primary Care Trust (PCT) for a state-of-the-art medical centre. It will offer a huge range of facilities including two new GP's surgeries, a walk-in-centre and services from midwifery and speech therapy to ophthalmology and podiatry.
Archaeological investigation
An archaeological investigation into the site has now been completed and revealed some interesting finds, including footings of the former railway station, remnants of house foundations and cobbled streets.
Access to transport links
Outline planning permission has been granted for major public landscaping, including a new pedestrian link from the site directly onto the existing Metrolink platform with both lift and stair access, as well as a new crossing over the Metrolink line leading directly to Pyramid Park due for a later phase of the development.
Future plans
Plans for a further office building of around 20,000 sq ft and a 110 bed hotel have been approved.
Residential apartments are also part of future plans with a further phase, which will enhance the scheme. The plans for these are expected to be submitted in late Autumn.
Estimated timeline for the development
- September 2007 - site hoarding and statutory service diversions in place.
- October 2007 to February 2008 - Enabling works (including earthworks, levelling, piling, drainage installation).
- March 2008 to June 2009 - Main phase 1 works including buildings 1 and 2, the car park and associated external works.
- June 2008 - 110-bed hotel (including restaurant/bar area and an additional coffee. shop) and building 3 (20,000 sq ft commercial office space) expected to start on site.
- May 2009 - Estimated date for completion of Building 3.
- October 2009 - Estimated date for completion of Hotel.
