Bruntwood and Bury Council launch public consultation on first phase of Mill Gate shopping centre redevelopment

Bruntwood and Bury Council, through their joint venture partnership, are inviting local people, businesses and traders to help shape proposals for the first phase of Mill Gate’s redevelopment.

The public consultation runs from Monday 9th - Sunday 29th November, giving people the opportunity to view the proposals and share their feedback ahead of a planning application being submitted in December. The proposals focus on opening up the town centre and making it easier to move around and spend time in the town centre.

At the heart of the plans is a new public square, alongside improved pedestrian routes linking Mill Gate with Bury Market, new community destination Casewells, the Interchange and the wider town centre. Landscaping, planting and seating would create a welcoming place to meet and relax, with flexible space for occasional markets, community events, performances and family activities. Small commercial units are also being considered to complement the market and surrounding shops and bring regular activity to the square.

Proposals for Minden and Market Parade include removing vehicle access to create a more welcoming pedestrian route and public space, with trees, planting and seating.

The proposed relocation of the Mill Gate multi-storey car park entrance and exit to Angouleme Way would help open up space behind the car park for an improved pedestrian route and landscaping, while maintaining servicing arrangements for retailers and the market.

Upgraded shopfronts, modernised canopies, high-quality paving and better lighting would create a more welcoming environment and help people feel safer when visiting after dark.

The first phase is supported by £24.1m from GMCA’s Good Growth Fund and would begin delivering the long-term vision set out in the Mill Gate Strategic Regeneration Framework, approved in 2024. The proposals build on Bury’s existing strengths and respond to changes in how people shop, work and spend their time. They would complement Bury Market and the wider programme of investment across the town centre, including Casewells, improvements to the market, the planned new Interchange and construction at Pyramid Park.

The regeneration supports the council’s ‘LET’S Do It!’ Bury 2030 strategy and the ambitions of the Town Centre Masterplan, creating opportunities for local businesses and communities while giving people more reasons to visit, stay and return.

Bruntwood and Bury Council will work closely with traders throughout the redevelopment, and access to Mill Gate and Bury Market will be maintained during the works as a priority. Traders are being engaged directly on the plans and businesses wishing to remain would be offered alternative units within Mill Gate wherever possible.

This first phase marks the start of Mill Gate’s long-term transformation, with future phases expected to bring new homes, workspaces, leisure and hospitality uses.

While these plans develop, Bruntwood and Bury Council are exploring temporary uses to bring activity to the centre during the day and evening. These could include pop-up shops and other activities in Minden Parade, behind the multi-storey car park, along Market Parade and in the new public square.

Chris Roberts, Chief Development Officer at Bruntwood, said: “This first phase is about building on what makes Bury special and making Mill Gate feel more open and better connected to the rest of Bury, with a new public square and spaces where people want to spend time. 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. Their feedback will make a real difference to what we deliver.

“Bury is a town with so much already going for it, but also so much untapped potential. Through these plans we want to build on these existing strengths and create a place that people want to spend time in, businesses can grow and further investment can follow. We’re grateful to GMCA for their initial commitment and show of belief in our vision, and are excited to move these plans forward.”

Councillor Charlotte Morris, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth, said: “Mill Gate is a hugely important part of our town centre, and this consultation is a chance for residents, businesses and traders to have a genuine say in its future. These proposals will improve the way people move between Mill Gate, our award-winning Market, the Interchange and Casewells, and give people more reasons to visit Bury and stay longer. I’d encourage everyone to take a look and share their views.”

The consultation opens on Monday 9th November at futuremillgatebury.co.uk and runs until Sunday 29th November. A drop-in event will take place at Mill Gate on Saturday 21st November, from 10am - 3pm, where people can view the proposals and speak to members of the project team.”

Details on future phases of the regeneration framework will be shared in due course.