THE former Bury Police Station could be turned into a mixture of apartments and leisure facilities.

Work to demolish the former headquarters, in Irwell Street, began in early 2015, but has been drawn out due to the presence of asbestos, the proximity of the structure to residents’ houses, and the fact that two different companies have been carrying out the demolition.

Demolition resumed earlier this year, and plans to complete the demolition and clear the debris are set to be approved by councillors at a cabinet meeting tomorrow.

If the plans are approved, the work will begin early next year and is estimated to take around six months to complete.

The empty building was bought by Bury Council bought back in 2013, with the aim of knocking it down and redeveloping the site, including Castle Leisure Centre, with a major food store.

It was hoped that the proceeds could be used to build a new leisure centre above the Q Park in Knowsley Street.

However, the council says there is no longer any demand from supermarkets for the site.

Bury Council leader Cllr Rishi Shori has now hinted at the possibility of the site redevelopment including a mix of residential and leisure facilities.

He said: “I’m sure that local residents will welcome the final clearance of this site, which has been delayed by factors beyond our control.

“This is a strategic site in our masterplan for the town centre, and we will be looking at the best opportunities to make the most of its location.

"This may include a mix of residential and leisure facilities, combining town centre living with new lifestyle choices, similar to what is being planned for The Uplands in Whitefield and at the Longfield Centre in Prestwich.”