Now we’ve submitted regeneration plans for the centre of Prestwich Village, we wanted to take a look back on how valuable feedback from the community helped shape the vision for a new beating heart of the community.
From the outset, we wanted to consult and involve the community – and embarked on a series of conversations to get ideas and suggestions. Whether feedback from online questionnaires, events, meetings or the local community events we attended, we gathered all views expressed and our team made changes wherever they could.
Here’s just some of the ways the design evolved as a direct result of your feedback before we submitted the proposals to Bury Council. We:
Increased the amount of retail space
People said they wanted to see the centre remain the beating retail heart of the village. As a result, we removed one of the proposed residential buildings, allowing us to create more retail space, including creating a bigger market hall in a more central position.
Created a direct, walkable link to the Metrolink stop
In response to feedback, we also relocated some of the buildings so we could create a more direct link between the Prestwich Metrolink stop and Bury New Road. With a straighter route and lots of planting, it’ll be a quicker and more attractive, walkable route through the centre for those hopping on or off the tram.
Included more parking for people with mobility challenges
We listened carefully to those that were concerned about having better access to the planned community facilities. So in addition to the travel hub, we’ve included further accessible parking spaces along Rectory Lane – right next to the Community Hub and closer to the Village Square and shops. We’ve also added a new door to the Community Hub, improving accessibility from Rectory Lane.
Planned even more green spaces
People liked the introduction of greenery to the centre – with a distinct lack in the current Longfield Centre – but wanted us to go further. We worked closely with our experienced landscape architects to include even more green areas, planting and places to sit and spend time outdoors.
Lowered the height of Travel Hub
We listened carefully to feedback about the proposed Travel Hub location off Fairfax Road, with people concerned about the effect on the nearest properties. As a result, we made key design changes, including lowering the height by removing a full floor, moving the building further from the boundary, and adding trees along the boundary to soften the appearance for those with a view of the site.
Provided flexible retail spaces ideal for independent businesses
From the outset, people highlighted that they loved the independent spirit of Prestwich and wanted a village centre that embraced and facilitated this. As such, we’ve planned a range of retail unit sizes, including smaller spaces, suitable for independent operators. We’re also really excited about the now bigger Market Hall – a centrepiece to the village that will be a perfect, buzzing spot for smaller food and drink operators.
Changed the height and location of key buildings
We’ve also made some changes to the locations of some of the main buildings. We’ve moved one of the residential buildings further away from the existing Radius building to create a wider boulevard between the two; increased the footprint of the market hall plot to accommodate retail frontages on three sides of the building; and reduced the height of the Community Hub building from five to four storeys.
Ensured the designs embrace and celebrate Prestwich’s character
From day one, our team has worked carefully to ensure that the proposed designs respect and embrace Prestwich’s character. As part of the planning applications we’ve submitted detailed studies that show how our designs draw influence from the local architectural styles, colour palettes and materials, and put forward a village centre that is a modern but complementary take on what people love about Prestwich already. The detailed designs for the homes will follow in a later planning application.
Designed a development that caters to a wide range of uses
In general, people wanted the spaces to be useful for the community and flexible enough to cater for a wide range of uses. We heard that loud and clear and did a lot of work to address it. As well as the Community Hub being a flexible space that can cater for a range of different activities and a new library, we’ve also provided space in one of the buildings for a new gym. We’ve also shown how the Village Square would be a really flexible outdoor space, with the ability to host pop-up art exhibitions, makers and performances, as well as general space to spend time outdoors.
This is a flavour of how integral the views of the community have been to the evolution of our design.
These are key changes, but we’ve also responded positively to other priorities that people told us to consider … from incorporating sustainability measures and increasing biodiversity, to ensuring the project provides a mix of homes as well as encouraging people to use active travel.
We’re really proud of the proposals we’ve put forward to the Council for consideration, thanks in part to all those who gave up their time to get involved and help shape the vision for the better.