CAMPAIGNERS in Bury are stepping up their bid to improve shopping and parking facilities in Bolton Street.

Ambitious plans have been drawn up for the transformation of the former Top Rank bingo club.

If Bury councillors approve the plans next month, the building could become a prestigious shopping complex.

The new scheme could include shops, market stalls, kiosks and a cafe area with seating.

It is likely that an area of the ground floor will be made available for sub-letting.

Two first-floor areas have been earmarked for use as art galleries or for the sale of pictures.

Discussions have also taken place about the possibility of using part of the first floor as office space. Members of the Bolton Street Business Club are backing the plans which have been drawn up by local jeweller Stewart Sivvery.

Mr Sivvery believes the development will be particularly suitable for new businesses.

In the past the building has been used as a cinema and a dance hall. Major beauty contests were also held there.

Members of the Bolton Street Business Club have circulated a petition in a bid to persuade councillors to improve parking for shoppers in the Bolton Street area.

They are urging Bury Council to open the car park at the rear of the Bolton Street rail station for shoppers. Mr Sivvery explained: "The area at the back of the station is currently used for contract parking. Contract spaces account for about one quarter of the parking spaces in Bury, eight hours a day.

"A better idea would be to open the Castlecroft car park for contract use and leave the area at the rear of Bolton Street for shoppers.

"I don't think enough people are prepared to pay to park at Castlecroft because it is not near enough to the town centre.

"Money may have to be spent on lighting if Castlecroft was used for contract parking.

"But this would be covered by charging drivers for parking behind the old station in Bolton Street.

"Parking spaces nearer the centre will encourage shoppers to come into town. Bury Council would receive revenue and the change would be good for the town's economy in general."

Bolton Street Business Club chairman Yvonne Wright backed the redevelopment of the old Top Rank club and said: "It is a good thing and will bring new businesses and more people into Bolton Street.

"I hope the scheme will be passed and I cannot see any problems which will prevent it from being approved."

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