NEW shops and homes will be built in Radcliffe as part of a £55 million regeneration town centre scheme.

Countryside Properties and UK Land and Property have been chosen by Bury Council to carry out the work in the Sun Quarter.

Plans include 330 apartments comprising 68 one-bedroom and 240 two-bedroom homes and 22 two-bedroom duplex units. There will also be 55,000 sq ft retail space.

The design also includes a 6,210 sq ft gallery for the work of German artist Ulrich Ruckriem, a sunken sculpture by the river, a bus station, new market, café gallery on the river front and residential parking.

Wayne Campbell, leader of Bury Council said: "I am delighted that this new and exciting development for Radcliffe will achieve many of the council's ambitions such as delivering a better choice of quality housing and improving town centres and neighbourhoods."

The Sun Quarter is the area next to the River Irwell and includes the former Kwik Save site, market hall and bus station in Radcliffe town centre.

Barry Holmes, director of regeneration for Countryside Properties, said: "This is an opportunity to create a vibrant new heart for Radcliffe."