PRESTWICH is one of six new spots nominated for regeneration across Greater Manchester.

Prestwich was nominated by Bury Council to be included in the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's Town Centre Challenge.

The challenge aims at regenerating areas which may have been 'left behind' by improving their housing, retail and leisure offerings.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “This new initiative is all about working together to regenerate town centres across Greater Manchester which have felt left behind.

"These latest submissions demonstrate a meaningful commitment to create real change across Greater Manchester.

“The challenge represents a significant opportunity for councils to drive forward real and sustainable change. The time has come to breathe new life into our proud towns."

The challenge aims to help bring about a cohesive regeneration of the nominated town centres, away from developer-led schemes.

When the scheme was launched in November, Mr Burnham said: "We need to build a new future for those towns through higher density mixed and affordable housing, with local retail and leisure facilities and supported by transport and digital connectivity."

This month the Mayor will meet with local authorities and a range of key stakeholders in each of the boroughs to rigorously assess Town Centre Challenge proposals, tackle existing barriers and accelerate plans towards the development stage.

The first scheduled meeting is taking place this week in Prestwich.

Other locations nominated for the challenge include Farnworth, Leigh, Stalybridge and Stretford.