Old Bury Woolworths to become new flats in change of use for historic building

Flats are to be created at a historic building in Bury town centre.

The building, at 5-9 The Rock, which for generations was the town’s branch of Woolworths, is within the town’s central conservation area and the space is currently used  for offices.

Developers Landa Corporation Ltd have been granted permission to create six one-bed flats and three apartments with three-bedrooms. The existing ground floor, a branch of Yorkshire Bank, will be retained with the flats being constructed on the first to fourth floors.

A design and access statement in support of the plans, which were approved this week, gave reason why there was no car park provision in the plans.

It said: “Due to the proposal being within a town centre location, proposing car parking for the development is redundant.

“Bus stops are within a short walking distance of the site.

“In addition, our proposal includes designated bicycle stores with enough capacity for all apartments.”This enforces the agenda for sustainable transport within Bury town centre.”

Conservation area

As the building lies within Bury town centre conservation area, a heritage report was prepared which gave an insight into the history of the building.

It said: “It dates from the late 19th century and was initially used as a corset and stay maker’s shop and printer’s shop on the ground floor, with the upper floors probably used as offices.

“In 1926, the whole building was taken over by the department store, F. W. Woolworth.

“Although the ground floor, and probably the first floor, were occupied until recently, the upper floors appear to have been vacant for some time, probably many years.

“The building has a minor historical association with the stationer and printer, W. S. Barlow, who occupied number 7 for around 40 years.”

The report said the building is considered to be of medium significance overall and is considered to constitute a non-designated asset in planning terms.

The developers said the plans would bring public benefit and provide a positive contribution to Bury by increasing foot fall, contributing to the local economy and attracting development in the surrounding area.