Talks continue on future of Longfield Centre

Date published: 18 January 2012

Bury Council is continuing to hold negotiations to bring about a high quality regeneration project for the Longfield Centre in Prestwich.

As the site’s main landowner, the council has been having discussions since last summer with Hollins Murray Group, the site’s long-term leaseholder, and with Terrace Hill, who HMG brought in as developer.

Councillor Tony Isherwood, executive member for environment and economy, said: “These talks are ongoing and confidential, and it would not be appropriate to go into too much detail at this time.

“However, following media speculation, it is fair to say that the plans so far put forward have fallen short of our ambitions. This is why I called a private meeting with Prestwich councillors on Thursday (12 January) to bring them up to speed with how matters were progressing.”

Cllr Isherwood added: “We believe that local residents and their representatives want the best deal possible for Prestwich, and that the principles outlined in the Love Prestwich Village strategy are still relevant and important. These principles encompass the need for a variety of shops, community facilities and better access.

“The current economic recession is not sufficient reason to rush into a redevelopment that falls substantially short of achieving those outcomes. If necessary, we are prepared to wait until things improve and those outcomes can be delivered.

“We will continue to work with the developers to bring forward a proposal that will meet the expectations of residents and visitors to Prestwich.”