PRESTWICH'S premier shopping centre could be given a facelift for the new Millennium.

If given the go-ahead, plans could see major refurbishment work at the Longfield Precinct together with an additional 7,500 sq ft of retail space being created.

And it has also been agreed that if the work is ultimately carried out, Bury Council will surrender its income from the precinct.

The proposals emerged during a special "summit" meeting at the House of Commons, hosted by Bury South MP Ivan Lewis.

Also at the meeting, staged in a bid to break the deadlock which Mr Lewis says has prevented progress on the precinct, were representatives of Bury Council and Longfield owners Bourne End Properties.

At the meeting, the local authority said it would relinquish its right to receive future rental income from the precinct.

But this is subject to an "acceptable" redevelopment plan being agreed and implemented. This is likely to require approval from the Environment Secretary.

It was also agreed Bourne End Properties would include in its planning application refurbishment work to the malls, enhanced paving and lighting, improved facades, redecoration, roof coverings and integrated signage and rebranding. The proposals would retain the library in its current location and create a further 7,500 sq ft of retail place. And, subject to an assessment of tenant demand, there could be an additional 5,000 sq ft of retail space next to the car park.

However, there are a number of key issues still to be resolved before a planning application is submitted. These include security measures, access, entrance arrangements and other improvements.

After Monday's meeting, Bury Council leader Derek Boden said: "This has been a constructive meeting which concluded with a basic agreement regarding the way forward for the redevelopment of the Longfield Precinct."

Tony Quale, development director of Bourne End Properties, said: "We are happy to reassure the local community of our positive intentions by confirming our willingness to continue working with Bury Council to reach an agreement in order to refurbish the centre."

MP Mr Lewis commented: "The meeting has achieved a real breakthrough in the deadlock which has prevented progress for too long.

"I am convinced that Bourne End and Bury Council are genuine in their commitment to ensuring that the redevelopment of the precinct can proceed in the near future."

He added: "I am now confident that a redevelopment of Prestwich precinct will be a crucial part of a regenerated Prestwich Village."

The progress has been welcomed by Mr Harry Johnson, of the Prestwich Business Forum, and Councillor Paul Nesbit, chairman of Prestwich Area Board, who also attended the London meeting.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.