Bruntwood and Bury Council have launched a public consultation on the first phase of Mill Gate’s redevelopment, with proposals for a new public square and car-free streets available to view until Sunday 29th November.
What would change in Bury town centre?
At the heart of the plans for the Mill Gate redevelopment is a new public square, with landscaping, planting and seating and flexible space for occasional markets, community events, performances and family activities. Small commercial units are also being considered, to bring regular activity to the square alongside the market and surrounding shops.
Currently, a narrow cut-through between the Telephone Exchange and the rear of B&M, Minden and Market Parade could become a new pedestrian route and public square. Vehicle access would be removed from Minden Parade and Market Parade, creating pedestrian-friendly spaces with trees, planting and seating.
The entrance and exit to the Mill Gate multi-storey car park would move to Angouleme Way, freeing up land behind the car park for a better walking route and more landscaping. Servicing arrangements for retailers and the market would stay in place.
Improved routes would link Mill Gate with Bury Market, the new community destination Casewells, the Interchange and the wider town centre. Furthermore, shoppers can expect upgraded shopfronts, modernised canopies, high-quality paving and better lighting, intended to make the centre feel safer after dark.
Traders, access and what comes next
Bruntwood and Bury Council say they are engaging with traders directly. Businesses that want to stay would receive the offer of an alternative unit within Mill Gate wherever possible, and the partners will maintain access to Mill Gate and Bury Market throughout the works. While the plans develop, they are also exploring temporary pop-up shops and other activities in Minden Parade, behind the car park, along Market Parade and on the site of the future square.
These are proposals, not approved designs, with the partners expecting to submit a planning application in December, after the consultation closes. The first phase has £24.1m from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Good Growth Fund behind it and begins to deliver the Mill Gate Strategic Regeneration Framework, approved in 2024.
Future phases are expected to bring new homes, workspaces, leisure and hospitality venues, and sit alongside wider investment in Casewells, the market, the planned new Interchange and construction at Pyramid Park.
Public consultation for Mill Gate redevelopment plans: how to have your say
Chris Roberts, chief development officer at Bruntwood, said: “The people who live, work and trade here know the town centre best, so we want to hear from as many of them as possible before we finalise the design.”
Residents can view the plans and comment at futuremillgatebury.co.uk, or in person at a drop-in event on Saturday 21 November. The drop-in runs from 10am to 3pm at Mill Gate Shopping Centre, where visitors can look over the proposals and talk to the project team. The online consultation closes on November 29.
