Demolition works at the Longfield Centre will start by early August, marking another major milestone in the £100m regeneration of Prestwich Village.
Having served Prestwich for more than 60 years, the Longfield Centre no longer meets modern community needs. Its demolition, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year, will pave the way for the long-term transformation of Prestwich village.
The next phase of regeneration will create a modern village centre with new community facilities, such as a new library and a retail and community hub, a large village square, shops and homes, all designed to support Prestwich for generations to come.
What to expect
Demolition Programme
The programme will begin with an internal strip-out of the retail units and the main Longfield Centre building, before the structures themselves are dismantled.
Parking
The Longfield Centre car park will remain open for local residents and visitors to use. However, as the regeneration project progresses, the car park will close at a later stage to facilitate construction activity. Before this takes place, the new Travel Hub, which is due to open later this year, will provide an alternative parking option for residents and visitors.
Access Around the Longfield Centre
The demolition programme will begin with mobilisation works, ahead of hoardings being installed around parts of the Longfield Centre in mid-August. Residents and visitors are advised that, once the site hoardings are installed, the demolition area will become a restricted construction site. For safety reasons, members of the public must not enter the site and should follow all signage and designated pedestrian routes throughout the works.
- Safe pedestrian routes and clearly signposted diversions will remain in place throughout the programme
- Businesses on Poppythorn Lane will remain open and accessible
- Businesses within the Radius building will remain open and accessible, including the retail units facing the Longfield Centre
We encourage the local community to continue supporting local businesses during this important phase of the regeneration programme.
Temporary Traffic Management On Rectory Lane
As part of the demolition works, one side of Rectory Lane will be closed for approximately four weeks during the middle of the demolition programme. Temporary traffic lights will be installed to manage traffic and allow the local community to continue using this road.
We’ll share the exact dates, as soon as they have been finalised.
Updates
Frequently
asked questions
Overview and timing
Why is the Longfield Centre being demolished?
The Longfield Centre has reached the end of its usable life and can no longer safely support the modern needs of the community. Demolition will allow the next phase of the Prestwich Village regeneration to come forward, with new homes, retail and leisure space, an expanded village square, a new market hall, and a new library and community space.
Who is leading the demolition?
Prestwich Regeneration LLP, the joint venture between Bury Council and Muse, is delivering the regeneration. DSM Demolition Ltd has been appointed to lead the demolition works.
What preparation work has already taken place?
Enabling works started during April 2026. Manchester Pigeon Rehab has been involved in safely removing pigeons and nests from the Longfield Centre. An asbestos survey has been conducted, utilities are being disconnected, lifts have been decommissioned, and air conditioning systems have been safely degassed.
When will demolition start?
The full programme of demolition works is expected to begin early August. The project team will confirm the start date for once the programme is finalised.
How long will the demolition take?
The demolition works will be carried out in several phases, including service diversions, asbestos removal (where required), soft strip, structural demolition, and site clearance. The demolition is programmed to take around 7 months to conclude.
What will happen first on site?
The first stages are expected to include internal strip-out, ecological checks, surveys, utility disconnections and other enabling works. During this period, most activity will take place inside the buildings or within the site boundary, so there may be little visible change from outside the site. More noticeable demolition works and changes to the appearance of the site are expected to follow once these initial activities have been completed.
What will happen after demolition is finished?
Once the site is cleared, and planning permission has been granted, the project will move towards the next construction phase for the new village centre. Further information will be shared before that stage begins.
Safety and site management
How will the demolition be kept safe?
The demolition will be managed by a specialist demolition contractor. Site arrangements will include controlled working areas, safe pedestrian routes and agreed procedures for managing work close to residents, businesses and public areas.
Will there be hoardings around the site?
Once the initial mobilisation works are complete, hoardings will be installed as part of the site set-up in mid-August. They will help separate the works from surrounding public areas and support safe movement around the village centre.
Residents and visitors are advised that, once the site hoardings are installed, the demolition area will become a restricted construction site. For safety reasons, members of the public must not enter the site and should follow all signage and designated pedestrian routes throughout the works.
What are the site working hours?
Standard working hours are typically 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays. The site will usually be closed on Sundays, and bank holidays. Any work outside of standard working hours will be by exception.
What happens if monitoring shows an issue?
A monitoring plan will be in place throughout the demolition works. If monitoring identifies an issue, work will be reviewed and, where necessary, adjusted or temporarily stopped while corrective measures are implemented. Appropriate actions will be taken to address the issue and ensure works continue safely and within agreed limits.
Who should I contact if I have a concern during demolition?
Residents can contact the project team by emailing info@yourprestwich.com or calling the freephone information line on 0800 689 1095. The site managers contact details will also be made available and displayed on hoardings.
Dust, noise and vibration
What should people expect in terms of noise?
Demolition will cause periods of noise. Working hours and site controls will be agreed before works begin, and monitoring will be in place during the works.
What should I do if dust or noise becomes a problem?
Residents should contact the project team through info@yourprestwich.com or the freephone information line on 0800 689 1095. The project team will review concerns raised during the works and respond through the agreed site process. The site managers contact details will also be made available and displayed on hoardings.
Asbestos
Why is an asbestos survey being carried out?
An asbestos survey is part of the enabling works before demolition. As the Longfield Centre was built at a time when asbestos was commonly used in construction materials, the survey is being carried out to identify whether any asbestos containing materials are present. This ensures they can be safely managed and removed, where necessary, before any structural or demolition works begin.
How will asbestos be removed if it is found?
Any identified asbestos will be sealed off and safely removed by a licensed asbestos removal contractor before structural demolition can begin.
How will nearby residents and businesses be protected during asbestos removal?
Asbestos removal will be carried out under strict health and safety controls designed to protect workers and the public, including air monitoring and clearance testing to ensure that the area is safe. More detail will be added once the survey and removal approach have been confirmed.
Access and parking
Will pedestrian routes change during demolition?
Yes. Safe pedestrian routes and diversions will be provided. The cut-through from Rectory Lane will close, and pedestrians will be directed to use the footpath by the former Iceland store. A pedestrian diversion map will be shared once finalised.
Will the Longfield car park stay open?
During demolition and before the Travel Hub opens, the Longfield car park is expected to remain open.
Where will people park before the Travel Hub opens?
Visitors will still be able to use the Longfield car park while it remains open. The new Travel Hub on Fairfax Road is due to open this year and will provide more than 300 spaces.
Will the demolition affect access to local businesses?
No. Local businesses around and near the Longfield Centre will still be open and fully accessible. We encourage the local community to continue supporting businesses around the village, as the next phase of the regeneration progresses.
Will service yard access and deliveries be affected?
The service yard will remain accessible throughout the demolition works. We will work closely with businesses to minimise disruption and ensure deliveries and servicing can continue safely. Any temporary traffic management measures will be carefully managed and communicated in advance where necessary.
Will buses be affected?
No. Bus services are not expected to be affected by the demolition works and will continue to operate as normal. Any unforeseen changes would be communicated in advance where necessary.
Will the Metrolink be affected?
Disruption to Metrolink services is not anticipated. The project team is liaising with Transport for Greater Manchester.
Library and community facilities
What has happened to Prestwich Library?
Prestwich Library has relocated to its temporary new home at the Phoenix Centre within St Mary’s Park.
What services will be available at the Phoenix Centre library?
The temporary library provides reading provision for all ages, free computer and Wi-Fi access, study and community space, children’s library activities and a range of regular sessions Tuesday to Friday. For opening times and more details visit: www.bury.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives/find-a-library/prestwich-library
Will there be a new permanent library?
Yes. The new retail and community hub will include a modern library and community space.
Heritage, wildlife and existing features
What will happen to the Prestwich Crest?
The intention is to retain features such as the Longfield Centre crest where this is practical. This will depend on the material and condition of individual items and will be confirmed once the demolition contractor is on site. If the crest is recovered, we will try to incorporate it within the new Village Centre.
What will happen to the fountain?
The existing fountain will be removed, as new public art is proposed throughout the development.
What will happen to the sprung dance floor in the Longfield Suite?
The sprung dance floor in the Longfield Suite will be carefully recovered as part of the enabling works. We are currently exploring the options for its future use and are considering how it can best be repurposed. A decision has not yet been made, and we will provide an update once those discussions have concluded.
What will happen to the granite benches?
At this stage, no decision has been made regarding the granite benches. Where possible, we will look to repurpose them; however, this will depend on whether they can be removed cleanly without causing damage. Once this has been assessed, we will be able to confirm the approach.
What will happen if heritage items are found during demolition?
Any findings will be managed through the demolition process and communicated appropriately. Further detail will be confirmed by Muse, Bury Council and DSM.
Has the Longfield Centre’s history been recorded?
A heritage exhibition relating to the Longfield Centre has been temporarily relocated to Bury Arts Museum, due to space limitations within the temporary library at the Phoenix Centre. The exhibition will return to Prestwich Library when the new building in the village centre is open.
What is being done about birds in the Longfield Centre?
The project team has been working with Manchester Pigeon Rehab to safely remove pigeons and nests from the Longfield Centre. DSM Demolition Ltd is scheduled to carry out ecological checks and coordinate wildlife monitoring as demolition plans progress.
Will trees be removed during demolition?
Some existing trees will need to be removed to enable the wider redevelopment of the site. However, the proposals include significantly more new trees than those being removed, helping to enhance the site’s overall landscaping and biodiversity in the long term.
Across the site, 61 trees are expected to be removed and around 120 new trees are planned to be planted as part of the development. The new planting will form part of a wider landscape strategy designed to create a greener, more attractive environment for future users and visitors.
How will waste from demolition be managed?
Waste from the demolition works will be managed in accordance with a Site Waste Management Plan. Materials will be segregated where possible to maximise reuse and recycling, with only waste that cannot be recovered being sent for appropriate disposal. All waste will be handled and transported by licensed contractors in accordance with relevant environmental regulations.
Businesses, tenants and social value
What support has been provided to Longfield Centre tenants?
Bury Council has provided tailored support to each business and tenant within the Longfield Centre. This has included one-to-one meetings to discuss relocation options, advice and practical support.
Will existing Longfield Centre businesses be able to return?
Bury Council is continuing to engage with tenants that occupied the Longfield Centre about their plans for the future and their interest in being part of the new scheme.
How can businesses register interest in the new retail units?
Businesses interested in the retail units can register their interest by emailing info@yourprestwich.com.
Will local businesses be kept informed during demolition?
Yes. Local businesses will be contacted directly, with one-to-one meetings offered where appropriate.
Will the demolition create local job or supplier opportunities?
Yes. The demolition contractor subscribe to a local Employment Charter and where possible seek to employ individuals local to project sites and aims to spend at least 50% of the project budget with Greater Manchester-based suppliers and businesses. This includes local recruitment, training opportunities, and the use of regional suppliers for security, fencing, haulage, plant hire and waste management services.
What social value will the project deliver?
The wider regeneration aims to deliver local economic and social benefits, with investment in the local economy and jobs during construction and once the new village centre is complete. More detail on demolition-specific social value will be added once confirmed.
Healthcare
Will the healthcare centre move during demolition?
No. The healthcare centre will remain in its current location throughout the demolition works, and local residents will continue to have access to services as usual.
Road closure
Is another full road closure required for this phase of the works?
No, a full road closure will not be required, but to protect the health and safety of the local community, one side of Rectory Lane will be closed for approximately four weeks during the middle of the demolition programme. Temporary traffic lights will be installed to manage traffic and allow the local community to continue using this road. Once the dates have been finalised, the local community will be updated.
Communications and contacts
How will residents be told about the demolition?
Nearest residents will receive direct letters. Wider updates will be shared through the Your Prestwich website, e-bulletins, social media and local media. Information will also be located on the site information board too.
How can I get regular updates?
Residents can register for updates through the Your Prestwich website. They can also contact the project team by emailing info@yourprestwich.com or calling 0800 689 1095.