PRESTWICH could be set for a major facelift after plans for a multi-million pound transformation of the heart of the town took another step forward today.

The ambitious proposals were revealed at a meeting of the scheme's main partners at the Longfield Suite today.

The overhaul is being planned as part of the Town Centre Challenge — an initiative to regenerate six urban centres around Greater Manchester.

Early design concepts centre around the Longfield Centre and include a new market centre, which could be home to a food hall or up to 15 traders stalls, a 90 room hotel, and space for around 15 independent retailers.

There are also plans to create 100 new one, two and three bed homes as well as parking for over 100 cars

The centre will further bring together healthcare and leisure facilities, a library and community meeting space.

Leader of Bury Council, Cllr Rishi Shori said: “Prestwich is booming. It’s already one of north Manchester’s most affluent and desirable suburbs, with a growing population, foodie culture, excellent public transport and its own identity.

“We’ve just completed the A56 Prestwich High Street regeneration, thanks to substantial investment from the council, City of Trees and Transport for Greater Manchester.

“We believe we have a way forward to deliver the next phase of regeneration for Prestwich, focused on the Longfield centre. This will require full commitment from the council and all our partners.

"With the additional support from the Greater Manchester Mayor and the Town Centre Challenge initiative, we believe we are making real progress.”

Today, councillors, the precinct's owners Hollins Murray Group, developers MUSE, CBRE and the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham met with MPs and representatives from the community and local business to discuss the proposals to regenerate the Longfield Centre.

The meeting follows an agreement signed between Hollins Murray and MUSE in April and the establishment of a joint venture company between the developer and Bury Council to guide development and attract investment.

Although designs are at an early stage of development progress on the development of the new company is expected by autumn, informed by further discussion with partners and the wider community.

Cllr Shori said: “We must be realistic and identify modern ways of regeneration if we are succeed, and the economic viability of the scheme will be key.

“We want to ensure that Prestwich can thrive as a sustainable village centre; with the creation of new jobs, boosting the local economy and helping local and independent businesses to grow. This transformation cannot happen overnight, but with the formation of our new venture company we are heading in the right direction.”