A MULTI-MILLION pound facelift to transform Bury town centre has been given the go-ahead.

The plans were given outline permission at a meeting on Thursday (Jan 15) to redevelop The Rock, following a lengthy consultation period by Bury Council.

The council's planning committee unanimously agreed to pass the scheme, which, under revised estimates, could cost £75 million: initial costings were estimated at £50 million.

Mark Finch, the director of planning with applicants Thornfield, said at the meeting: "The redevelopment of The Rock Triangle will build on the strengths and qualities of the town centre, and address the weaknesses."

Early plans for The Rock Triangle include a tree-lined public area surrounded by shops, flats and outdoor cafes.

A bingo hall could also be included in proposals to transform a 5.3 hectare slice of land between The Rock, Rochdale Road, Moorgate retail park and the town's First Bus depot.

The site would retain popular features such as the Bury United Reformed Church and Minden Medical Centre with its adjacent gardens.

Doctor Neil Joseph, from the Minden Medical centre on Barlow Street, said he and the other doctors at the centre supported the plan and welcomed changes, but raised concerns about the road planned to cut through their site.

He told the meeting: "We are in favour of the concept of the development, but we are worried about changes to the access to the establishment."

Councillors agreed the project would be of great benefit to the town, and were looking forward to the plans being put into action.

Coun Yvonne Wright said: "This is a very exciting and interesting project. I can only see the town centre getting better if we go for this scheme."

A number of conditions have been placed on the application, including barring a non-food retail store from selling items such as DVDs, CDs and clothing.

More precise plans for the scheme will be looked at by the committee in the coming months.