BURY'S Mill Gate shopping centre is looking to expand even further.

Company bosses have asked for planning permission to build an extra four shops after demolishing the Methodist Church and the rear of the former main Post Office in The Haymarket and Crompton Street area.

Centre developers MEPC had planned the scheme some years ago, but negotiations over buying the church and land have dragged on and a final deal has yet to be signed.

Mr Mike Smith, MEPC's leasing and income manager, said the company was having talks with major chain stores about moving into the new shops.

If approved, work could start next year, which would also include landscaping works to the Lions Garden.

The four units would have a total retail area of 20,000 feet over two floors.

Mr Smith also hoped to announce the future of the former Post Office by the end of the summer.

MEPC has obtained permission to turn it into a pub or restaurant and says firms have shown considerable interest in buying the building, but the company has yet to make a decision.

The Mill Gate expansion proposals come only days after the announcement of the start of work on the £5 million refurbishment of Bury market.

Meanwhile, a £360,000 project will unearth the remains of Bury Castle, funded by a heritage Lottery grant, the Pilsworth Environmental Company and the council.

Coun Derek Boden, council leader, said: "These are exciting times."

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