PROPOSALS to demolish three buildings to make way for a multi-million pound development in Whitefield have been greeted with mixed emotions from community leaders.

North Western Properties proprietor Mr Albert Gubay has revealed plans to build a health and rehabilitation centre on land between the Brand Centre and the fire station.

It would be part of an ambitious plan to redevelop the blitzed Elms shopping precinct.

However, Bury Council may have to issue Compulsory Purchase Orders on Elms Methodist Church, Sharei Shalom Synagogue and Whitefield Conservative Club for Mr Gubay to achieve his goal.

Minister of Elm Street Methodist Church, the Rev Andrew Mashiter, said he was open to "constructive thinking" and believes that surrendering the property to developers could be the start of a bright new future, although much negotiation was needed for everyone to be happy.

He said: "If we are moving from this particular patch and the whole development takes shape with a community focus, then we want to be on the general site."

Mr Mashiter added that some of the congregation were "very attached" to the building, which has served the church well, but admitted that the ancillary halls needed "bringing into the 21st century." He said his main concern was maintaining the size and capacity of the church.

He said: "In order to seat 250 people and continue the ancillary organisations we need space, which means we might have to share a building. Here is an opportunity to move forward, even if it could be a bumpy ride."

Conservative Club secretary Allen Watts said that despite the initial shock the development plans could "do us a favour in the long run."

Mr Watts said: "About six months ago the plans didn't affect us but they were refused. I assume we will be relocated but it is early days. It might be good for Whitefield and us in the end if we get satisfactory negotiations."

However, a spokesman for the Sharei Shalom Synagogue was less enthusiastic about the proposals.

He said: "We are not particularly pleased about it although we have been told nothing officially.

The building is only 20 years old and has undergone recent refurbishment costing quite a lot of money.

"It's a shame to see everything go down the tubes so quickly."

The spokesman added that he assumed there was no place for the synagogue's 300 adult members on the new development but would "reserve judgement" until they had heard something official.

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