Ambitious plans to construct three entirely new neighbourhoods in Bury, comprising nearly 6,000 homes, have been formally unveiled by the local authority. The comprehensive proposals for Elton Reservoir, Walshaw, and Simister & Bowlee are designed to shape the region for future generations, integrating essential community infrastructure from the outset.
Strategic Vision for Sustainable Communities
These developments, allocated under the Places for Everyone masterplan since 2024, represent a significant shift from former greenbelt land to designated residential areas. Town hall leaders are set to approve draft development frameworks at a crucial scrutiny meeting on Tuesday, February 10, after which public consultation will commence to refine the final masterplans.
Council leader Eamonn O'Brien emphasised the transformative nature of the project, stating: "This is about more than just building new homes – it's about shaping places where families can grow and where people have the schools, transport links, and amenities they need to thrive. Together, these developments will provide lasting benefits for Bury and the wider region for generations to come."
Detailed Breakdown of the Three Neighbourhoods
Elton Reservoir: A Major Residential Hub
Located just half a kilometre north of Radcliffe town centre, the Elton Reservoir site is earmarked for 3,250 new homes. Approximately half the area will be preserved as green space surrounding the reservoir itself. Six distinct residential zones will be established to the south and south-west of the lake, featuring a diverse mix of housing types, including around 25 per cent affordable and social housing.
The masterplan includes:
- A new two-form entry primary school
- Three designated high street areas for retail, health, and community facilities
- Proximity to the soon-to-be-completed Star Radcliffe Academy secondary school
Walshaw: Integrating Active Travel
The Walshaw development, situated between Walshaw Village and Woolfold on agricultural land, proposes up to 1,250 homes. Of these, around 300 will be classified as affordable, encompassing a mix of affordable rent, social rent, and homes for purchase. The plans prioritise sustainable design, incorporating:
- Space reserved for a new primary school
- A new playing pitch and extensive green spaces
- Several new highways with integrated active travel elements like dedicated bike lanes
Consultants from Stantec, acting on behalf of the council, noted: "This development will aid the creation of neighbourhoods for Elton and Walshaw where residents can access everyday facilities on foot, whilst staying well connected to high quality services and jobs through convenient, direct and sustainable travel links."
Simister & Bowlee: Supporting Atom Valley Growth
Straddling the border of Bury and Rochdale, the Simister & Bowlee site is planned for 1,550 new homes, with approximately 1,350 located within Bury's boundary. This neighbourhood is strategically positioned as a residential extension of the Atom Valley project, which aims to create advanced manufacturing and engineering jobs in northern Greater Manchester.
Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Council, commented: "This new framework represents another important step forward for this area as part of the wider Atom Valley project, which will create thousands of highly skilled jobs and new homes in Rochdale and Bury."
The draft plan, prepared jointly by both local authorities, features:
- A mixture of commercial and affordable housing
- An upgraded local highway network
- Designated green spaces and a local centre potentially housing health facilities and shops
Comprehensive Community Infrastructure
Collectively, the three neighbourhoods will deliver substantial new facilities for the borough, including three new primary schools, modern health facilities, five new community centres, sports pitches, and numerous playgrounds. This holistic approach underscores the council's commitment to creating not just housing estates, but fully-formed, sustainable communities with the necessary amenities for daily life.
The forthcoming public consultation period offers residents a critical opportunity to influence the final designs, ensuring these new neighbourhoods truly meet the long-term needs of Bury's growing population.
