On Parade at the shops

Shops on the fish market side of the precinct have until January to vacate the properties with developers expected to move on site in the summer.

The old fish and meat market hall will be extended and revamped to provide a base for a major retail company. Minden Parade itself will eventually be glazed as part of the Mill Gate Shopping Centre.

However, before the Minden phase takes place, work is to begin in September on the Crompton Street area with the former post office being extended to create a pub and the vacant Central Methodist Church demolished to make way for four new stores.

The Bury Lions Gardens will be the focal point of the Crompton Street phase which will cost approximately £2 million.

Minden Parade business owners are now beginning the search for new premises in the town centre and welcome the redevelopment of the popular shopping street. Some, however, have decided to shut up shop for good.

Mrs Joyce Parkinson, manager of the wool shop Habiknit said: "Many of our customers have been saddened by the proposed development. There are not many small shops left. We will close in January.

"Yet, progress is progress and Minden Parade needs redeveloping to enhance the Mill Gate centre."

And barber Mr Henry Lasota, who has cut hair in Minden Parade for 31 years, added: "We are looking at new sites to relocate the business. It will be sad to leave after so many years but the development will bring Minden Parade in line with the rest of the town."

It has not been revealed which high street giant will take over the former fish and meat market area.

Mr Martin Clancy, project architect for Mill Gate owners MEPC, said: "The next two phases are exciting. Both will enhance the town as a major shopping centre.

"Mill Gate has been a huge success and the redevelopment of Minden Parade and Crompton Street will only add to that."

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