Agenda item

Report to Follow

In the absence of Councillor O’Brien, Councillor Thorpe attended the meeting to provide an overview of the regeneration and housing portfolio. He began by outlining the scale of the current regeneration programme, which includes over 30 active projects with a combined value of approximately £140 million. These projects span a wide range of physical regeneration initiatives and intersect with the work of other strategic boards, including the Housing Growth Board and the Commercial Board, particularly in relation to the Millgate Shopping Centre. There is also significant crossover with highways and place-based workstreams, reflecting the integrated nature of the council’s approach to regeneration.

Councillor Thorpe acknowledged the considerable challenges facing the delivery of regeneration projects, particularly in the current economic climate. He highlighted the impact of inflation on construction materials and labour, as well as the broader issue of high interest rates, which are affecting the viability of schemes. He referenced the Farmer Review, Modernise or Die, which critiques the inefficiencies of the construction industry and the urgent need for modernisation. Recruitment and succession planning were also noted as ongoing concerns, although the regeneration team continues to perform strongly under pressure.

The Committee was updated on a number of housing growth projects, many of which have been supported by external grant funding. This has enabled the council to bring forward brownfield sites for development and support wider housing objectives. Among the sites discussed were Seedfield, which is now progressing; Pyramid Park and Humphrey House, where safeguarding and decontamination work is underway alongside a design competition; and the Wheatfield site, which is being developed in collaboration with Adult Care to support integrated housing delivery.

The Elton Reservoir site was described as particularly complex, involving significant infrastructure requirements and legal work. Councillor Thorpe noted that while the site has potential, it remains contentious and is not yet at a stage where development can proceed. The Elms site is being explored for direct development without a delivery partner, which may improve viability. A number of smaller sites within the ALDP are also being progressed to maintain a steady pipeline of housing delivery.

The Committee was informed of close working between the regeneration and children’s services teams, particularly in relation to proposals for new children’s homes. Section 106 funding has also been allocated to support the acquisition of homes as part of the council’s wider housing strategy.

In Radcliffe, several key regeneration projects are progressing well. The Radcliffe Hub and Market Chambers have moved past initial sewer works, with piling now complete. The Bury Market Canopies project is significantly ahead of schedule and has been delivered without disruption to traders. Similarly, the Flexi Hall is progressing rapidly, with structural works well underway and the project currently nine weeks ahead of programme. The Millwood site, being developed in partnership with Bruntwood, is in the masterplanning phase.

Councillor Thorpe also provided an update on education infrastructure, including the delivery of new pupil referral units. One such unit is being developed on Whittaker Street in Radcliffe, as part of the council’s broader commitment to improving educational provision.

A discussion followed regarding parking provision, prompted by a question from Councillor Birchmore. Concerns were raised about the potential loss of parking in Prestwich and whether sufficient provision was being made in Radcliffe. Officers clarified that in Prestwich, two parking locations are being consolidated, but there will be no net loss of spaces. In Radcliffe, parking needs are being actively monitored, particularly around the medical centre. Modelling work is underway to assess future requirements, and recommendations will be brought back to the Committee once data collection is complete. It was noted that current provision stands at 222 spaces, but demand could exceed 300, indicating a likely shortfall.

The Committee welcomed the update and acknowledged the scale and ambition of the regeneration programme. Members expressed interest in undertaking more detailed scrutiny of individual projects at future meetings and agreed that ongoing oversight would be important, particularly in relation to funding, delivery risks, and cross-departmental collaboration.

Following the main presentation, members raised a number of specific questions and comments relating to ongoing regeneration projects and associated strategies.

Councillor Birchmore queried the current position regarding the tendering process for the Bury Market basement. In response, Robert Summerfield confirmed that a market analysis is currently being undertaken by the Economic Growth team. This work is intended to identify viable and appropriate uses for the basement space, recognising the significant opportunity it presents. He noted that the Council is seeking external advice to ensure the space is used effectively and that mistakes are avoided. While there is no confirmed date for the procurement process, it is anticipated that this will progress in the coming months once the external advice has been received.

Councillor Birchmore also raised concerns regarding the provision of adult education space in Radcliffe. She noted that previous plans had included enterprise and adult learning space within the Hub, but this no longer appears to be the case. As a result, there is currently no adult education facility within the borough of Radcliffe, which is increasing costs and limiting access. Officers confirmed that a response had been provided by the adult education team via email, and it was agreed that this correspondence would be circulated to Councillor Birchmore. It was also noted that UK Shared Prosperity Funding had supported the inclusion of two designated teaching rooms within the Radcliffe Hub.

Councillor Moss asked whether the Council had sufficient resources to deliver the scale of regeneration activity underway. Robert Summerfield responded by highlighting the shift in how such initiatives are delivered, with a strong emphasis on leveraging private sector expertise and funding. He explained that many officers are funded through external funding streams, and that the Council has become adept at managing supply chains and commissioning external support. However, he acknowledged that the development environment remains challenging, particularly in relation to recruitment and retention. He referenced the Hackitt Review and noted that it is currently more lucrative to work as a planner than a surveyor, which is impacting the availability of key skills. He added that the delivery of regeneration is increasingly reliant on revenue sources such as BGI (Bury Growth Initiative), and that managing these resources effectively is “an art, not a science.”

Councillor Moss also asked about the viability of affordable housing delivery, particularly in relation to the Pyramid Park development. Officers confirmed that 24 of the 48 units on that site are designated as affordable, but that viability remains a key issue. Rising energy costs, increased business rates, and the requirement to deliver a 10% biodiversity net gain on large sites are all placing pressure on development budgets. In some cases, this is resulting in trade-offs between environmental and social outcomes.

Councillor Rydeheard sought clarification on how much of the £140 million regeneration programme is funded through borrowing. In response, Robert Summerfield confirmed that two major schemes — the Bury Market and Radcliffe Hub — had each received £20 million through the Levelling Up Fund. The Council has drawn down the full allocation for both schemes and is one of the first local authorities to progress from inception to construction. He also confirmed that Sport England funding had been fully spent on delivering specific outputs, with regular monitoring visits taking place.

Councillor Rydeheard also asked about the former fire station site, which had previously been earmarked for a hotel. Officers confirmed that the hotel deal had fallen through and that the site is now being considered for housing. A final decision will be made by elected members once the masterplan has been completed.

Councillor Marsden raised a question about staffing levels within the Radcliffe Hub, specifically how many council staff would be based there. Officers confirmed that a written response would be provided, but noted that the Hub will include office space for community-based staff cohorts. Traffic flow and parking surveys are currently being undertaken to inform future planning.

Councillor Rafiq requested clarification on the number of accessible homes being delivered within the 4–6 development. Officers confirmed that 34 apartments are being delivered as accessible homes.

Councillor Southworth asked what consideration had been given to improving children’s health and activity levels through regeneration. In response, Robert Summerfield explained that most developments include outdoor spaces and that these are considered as part of individual planning applications. Councillor Southworth followed up by asking about the provision of parks and recreation areas for children and young people. Officers acknowledged that this is an area of focus and confirmed that discussions are ongoing with Public Health colleagues to ensure developments support active lifestyles and walkability. Councillor Thorpe added that the Council’s wellness strategy is being aligned with the regeneration strategy to ensure a more cohesive approach to health and wellbeing.

Finally, Councillor Rydeheard asked whether it would be possible to meet with officers involved in the procurement of play areas. Officers agreed to facilitate a conversation with the relevant officer, to explore procurement processes and project delivery in more detail. It was also noted that further detail would be provided on the Elton Reservoir site as plans progress.

It Was Agreed

·         The update be noted