Both the Council building, designed by architects Carey Jones, and the 50,000 sq ft Townside Primary Care Centre for NHS Bury, designed by Hurd Rolland, were sold to Standard Life in 2006 for around £30m.
Work is now underway on the second phase of the development which comprises a further two buildings – a 25,000 sq ft commercial building which is pre let to Six Town Housing, and a 115 bed Premier Inn hotel pre let to Whitbread which also includes a Costa Coffee. Phase 2 Knowsley Place was recently acquired by Bury Council.
A joint venture between Ask Developments and Bury Council, Knowsley Place is one of three major developments currently taking place in Bury town centre along with The Rock and Chamberhall. On completion, Knowsley Place, which is located opposite the Town Hall, will enhance the already growing range of facilities in the heart of Bury town centre and will offer the public a wide range of services.
David Burkinshaw, Director at Ask Developments said: “The completion of phase 1 of Knowsley Place marks an important milestone for this development. Ask is delighted to be working on this outstanding scheme which is the first to be delivered through the AskBury joint venture. We believe this new civic quarter will enhance the services and facilities available to local people and make a real contribution to the town centre.”
Councillor Bob Bibby, Leader of Bury Council, said: “I have watched this new building take shape over the past eighteen months so it is great to finally move council staff and services into the building and make it operational. The Knowsley Place development will be a hub for public services and the new building is already a key landmark on the town’s skyline. The new offices will be open for business in the next few weeks and they will provide a modern environment in which customers can receive a quality service”.
Kathy Reade, Interim Chair for NHS Bury said; “This is a fantastic £10 million investment in the health of people in Bury.”
Anne Coates, Director of Strategy and Deputy Chief Executive for NHS Bury added;
“It is an exciting time for the modernisation of community based health facilities and services in Bury. The new facilities at Townside Primary Care Centre will mean that we will be able to better cater for the health needs of local people through co-ordinated services in modern purpose built surroundings.”