A new 301-space multi-storey car park is set to open by the end of July 2026Work on the Prestwich travel hub started four months ago

New images show how a £14m ‘travel hub’ serving the centre of Prestwich is progressing. The multi-storey travel hub has been under construction at the former Fairfax Road surface level car park for the past four months.

The hub is the first significant project ahead of an ambitious £100m regeneration of Prestwich village centre. The closure of the Fairfax Road car park means 168 spaces car parking spaces were lost in the town during the work.

Bury Council said the state-of-the-art hub is not only a vital piece of infrastructure, but also a key enabler for unlocking the delivery of future phases of the scheme. The new travel hub is being funded by the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) to support the delivery of the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s ambition for a joined-up travel network.

Coun Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, visited the construction site to witness the progress first-hand. He was joined by members of council development partners Muse and the Vinci Construction team for an on-site tour.

Site preparation, ground clearance and piling works are all already complete, as are the Vinci site offices and welfare compound. Drainage works are ongoing and works to create the foundations for the new building are ahead of schedule, with the first and second concrete pour now finished.

In August, installation of the steel building frame will begin. The council said the construction method has been developed to limit disruption to neighbours and residents by ensuring work is carried out as quietly and swiftly as possible.Once the structure is in place, cladding and masonry will be installed, followed by internal fit-out works.

The travel hub is expected to be fully completed by the end of July 2026.

The hub is expected to be open by July 2026

When open it will have 301 spaces, electric vehicle charging points, cycle storage, and car club vehicles. Later phases of the plans to reboot the village centre include ‘creating a thriving destination for shopping, dining and community events’.

Coun O’Brien said: “It’s incredibly exciting to see the first phase of this transformation now underway, especially knowing that it marks just the beginning of what’s to come. Our vision is to create a vibrant, sustainable village centre that serves the whole community.

“Following completion of the new travel hub, the next phase will see the Longfield Centre transformed into a modern, multifunctional village centre hat meets evolving needs – featuring a new library, high-quality retail units, a new market, versatile community spaces, attractive green public areas, and new homes.”

Hugh Taylor, senior project manager at Muse said: “The transformation of the Longfield Centre will create a vibrant new heart for Prestwich, a welcoming space where the community can come together to meet, socialise, and enjoy village life.

“We’re making great progress on the travel hub, which marks just the beginning.”