RADICAL plans to regenerate Radcliffe have been fleshed out by town hall chiefs.

Central to the 15-year plan, say council bosses, is a main retail, offices and cafes hub, alongside improvements to the piazza and Blackburn Street.

Proposals for a river walkway, an overhaul for Market Chambers and reviving the town's daytime and night-time economies are also discussed as part of a strategic regeneration framework.

Six weeks of consultations have now been pledged from June 22, if the council's executive agrees next week, with each household being sent a leaflet on the initiative.

Councillors hope pledging their own funding will lever in private sector cash and kickstart government cash handouts.

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, said: “The regeneration of Radcliffe is a top priority for us, and this strategic framework has been developed to bring major changes to Radcliffe over the next 15 years and beyond.

“Radcliffe wants and needs a new future, which brings together public and private sector – and crucially residents themselves – to make a real and substantial difference to the town and people’s lives.

“These plans are aimed at attracting new public and private investment into the town centre, bringing in more people during the day and evening."

It is envisaged that any rejuvenation of the town centre will complement developments such as the anticipated new housing on the old East Lancs Paper mill land, a new secondary school for Radcliffe and upgrades to the Metrolink park and ride.

Cllr O'Brien added: "As we emerge from lockdown and recover from the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, this will be a crucial step forward towards unlocking Radcliffe’s potential, delivering a township that the people of Radcliffe deserve and can take pride in.”

A new leisure hub, alongside the central hub, new cultural schemes and a revised car park strategy have also been talked about.

Talks have taken place over the creation of a council investment fund to attract external money to the strategy.

Cllr Rhyse Cathcart, the deputy cabinet member responsible for Radcliffe's regeneration, said: “The SRF is a new deal for Radcliffe.

"It’s a comprehensive set of proposals that has been drafted by listening to those who live, work and choose to spend their leisure time here.

"This approach recognises the importance of cross-party working to ensure that all views are considered. It is ambitious and the proposals will secure a prosperous future for Radcliffe."