RIVAL developers for Whitefield have revealed they plan to invest £13 million in reviving the town centre and aim to create 100 new jobs.

As reported last week, David McLean Homes are preparing a planning application for a mixed use development for land on the corner of Bury New Road and Stanley Road.

They claim the development will see the transformation of the site, including Whitefield bus station, a council car park and the former Brand Centre.

As well as creating employment opportunities, the project plans to provide affordable housing, a quality supermarket, smaller retail units and green public space.

Andrew Ford, strategic development manager of David McLean Homes said: "New retail and leisure developments need to provide more for local areas and communities, with the focus being on design that is distinctive but also practical. We hope to create a space that will attract investment, new businesses and people, and also play an integral role in the local community that it will serve."

The scheme, designed by Manchester-based architects AGP, will comprise 118 modern and stylish apartments, with a range of one and two bedroom homes including affordable housing.

It will feature a 10,000 sq ft foodstore and smaller shops plus bars and restaurants and a day nursery.

Mr Ford said the proposal also includes new premises for the Cafe Roma and the Church Inn, a park and ride scheme and public parking for shoppers, residents and businesses.

He added: "Our scheme really is mixed use. We have carefully thought about what we could offer the local community and how this local centre could fulfil their particular needs. We feel we have gone a step further in creating the ideal development for this area."

If the scheme gets the go ahead from Bury Council, David McLean Homes have planned a phase two which incorporates town houses and apartments, a library/community building and some shared ownership homes.

The scheme is set to rival Dransfield Properties who are planning a 74,000 sq ft Morrisons supermarket on the entire site.

Both projects will be presented to council members and residents at a special meeting of Whitefield and Unsworth area board on November 18.

Owner of Cafe Roma, Rocco Fulchini said: "They have approached us about a lease building but I said I wanted a freehold property. I still support the Morrisons store, no one wants apartments. In ten years time they will become derelict like the shops."