Townside Fields
Date: 02/02/2007
Source: Internal Press Release
Ask Developments has been given the green light to start work on the exciting new Townside Fields development in Bury, which was masterplanned by architects Carey Jones.
Following extensive consultation and public exhibitions, the award-winning North West developers will be working on a £70m joint venture scheme with Bury Council to create new offices, retail and leisure units as well as extensive public landscaping.
The development framework for the whole 165,000 sq ft scheme, located opposite Bury Town Hall, was formally agreed by Bury Council last year, and now plans have been agreed for 40,000 sq ft of offices designed by Carey Jones, which will be used by Bury Council, with 7,200 sq ft of ground floor retail and leisure units.
The scheme will also include a 46,000 sq ft office building which is set to be pre-let to Bury Primary Care Trust, for a state-of-the-art medical centre, including a ground floor pharmacy on Knowsley Street and a three-storey basement car park with around 400 spaces, designed by architects Hurd Rolland.
Outline planning permission was also 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 development.
Plans for a further office building of around 15,000 sq ft and a third building, which will either be used as further office space or an 80-bed hotel have been approved.
Residential apartments are also part of future plans within a further phase, which will enhance the scheme - and plans for these are expected to be submitted in early spring.
David Burkinshaw, Director at Ask Developments said: “We have worked closely with Bury Council and stakeholders and held extensive public consultation. Ask is delighted to have been given the go ahead to work on this outstanding mixed-use development, which will contribute greatly to the town by providing new public services, offices and city living style apartments.
Nigel Jacques, Director at Carey Jones Architects, comments:
“The masterplan proposals provide a sustainable urban development in a unique location reflecting the site’s enormous potential and creating a vibrant mixed use quarter. The contemporary building designs, when combined with high quality public realm space, offer a significant contribution to the business community and surrounding residential neighbourhood. It reflects the aspirations of Bury, providing a positive influence on the regeneration of the Borough.
Councillor John Byrne Executive Member for Environment and Transport said: “This development will firmly link the Townside Fields area to the main shopping area and commuter links. I am positive that the regeneration will help to put Bury on the map and reinforce our commitment to making Bury a great place to live and work.”
King Sturge is the acting agent.