Detailed images showing plans to regenerate Radcliffe town centre have been revealed. Households in the town are to be sent a publication Investing in Radcliffe News, which has all the latest information about the multi-million pound transformation of the town centre.
This month, detailed design work for a new 750-place school will be started and Star Multi Academy Trust, who will run the school are having meetings with local primary schools and families. It is expected that building work will start in September 2023 and the new school be ready to open in autumn 2024.
Radcliffe Civic Hub will be the new permanent home for leisure in the town and will include a new library, a six-lane 25m swimming pool, a teaching pool and poolside seating for 150 spectators. The hub will also contain a 100-station high-tech gym and two large purpose-built fitness studios and a café shared with library customers.
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There will also be a rooftop activity space and climbing walls. Designs for the £40 million scheme will be finalised before the end of this year, with demolition and construction to take place from late 2022 to summer 2024.
The new library will open seven days a week. Split across two floors, it will boast a much bigger dedicated children’s library on the ground floor and a ground floor community space to support Radcliffe’s community groups and to provide a home for adult learning
When Radcliffe Library moves out of its existing home at Stand Lane, the building will turned into an Enterprise and Skills Centre. This will focus on employment opportunities and business support for start-ups and small to medium enterprises.
The Market Chambers building is being fully refurbished, with shops and cafes on the ground floor and office and studio space on the first and second floors. Radcliffe Market basement will be made into a large, flexible event space, with a Changing Places changing room and a balcony will be built onto Radcliffe Market which will overlook the River Irwell. To create access to the Market Basement and the upper floors of Market Chambers, an external terrace will be created by demolishing and replacing the old TSB building.
Radcliffe Piazza will be relaid using high-quality paving with features such as the bandstand and clock tower retained. Coun Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, said: “This is just the news that Radcliffe residents have been waiting for, details of what’s coming, and when it’s coming.
“Yes, Radcliffe has had its challenges over the years, and some disappointments. But, as the town reaches a turning point, residents can be sure that change for the better is coming soon.
“Unprecedented sums of money are being invested in Radcliffe to bring about major physical improvements, create new facilities, and make the right environment for communities to prosper, renew pride in their town and live their best lives. As Radcliffe’s regeneration programme gets under way, people across the town can genuinely look forward to a brighter future.
“With a brand-new school, plus modern town centre facilities for leisure, plus a new library and wellbeing, learning and cultural opportunities, Radcliffe is most definitely on the up.”
Residents can discuss the plans with leisure, library and regeneration teams at the following public engagement events.
Radcliffe Library, Tuesday 16 August – 9.30am to 12.30pm; Thursday 18 August – 4pm to 7pm. Radcliffe Leisure Centre, Tuesday 23 August – 9.30am to 12:30pm; Thursday 25 August – 3pm to 7pm and Radcliffe Market, Saturday 10 September – 10am to 12.30pm.
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