Three floors of iconic town centre building could be turned into flats

Tuesday, 30 December 2025 12:01

By Charlotte Hall

Three floors of an iconic building at the heart of Bury’s nightlife ‘strip’ could be turned into flats. Developers plan to renovate the upper levels of the former Silver Chambers at 8 to 12 Silver Street into nine apartments.

Silver Street, Bury, Gmaps 2
Silver Street, Bury, Gmaps 2
Planning application for 8-12 Silver Street, Bury. Uploaded by Charlotte Hall. For use by newswire partners. Credit: Google Earth

Silver Street, Bury, Gmaps
Silver Street, Bury, Gmaps
Planning application for 8-12 Silver Street, Bury. Uploaded by Charlotte Hall. For use by newswire partners. Credit: Google Earth

The 130-year-old building is opposite the Victoria Buildings and near major venues Forbidden Bar, Society, and Murphy’s Pub. It currently contains businesses including Ellenesse hairdressers and Feet First podiatry.

But under new plans submitted by planning consultants Gold Sketch Studios on behalf of the developers, the first, second, and third floors of the 130-year-old building could be turned into one-bedroom apartments, while the ground floor would remain shops.

Most of the apartments consist of separated lounges and kitchen areas, a bathroom, and a large double bedroom. The top floor apartment would contain an open-plan living and kitchen/dining area.

The new apartments would be ‘sustainable and well-connected’ with residents expected not to own a car, according to developers. Bike storage would be available on the ground floor.

They wrote: “The site is located in a sustainable location, with public transportation readily accessible nearby. The occupiers of the proposed apartments will benefit from the existing infrastructure that supports sustainable travel.

“Residents would not find it necessary to own and park their own car. Should visitors to the property arrive with a car, there is a Pay and Display Car Park – The Castle Car Park – on Bolton Street, adjacent to the property, which is 2 minute walk from the site

“Due to the site’s very close proximity to local conveniences and leisure facilities, being located in the heart of Bury town centre, the use of a car would be unnecessary and therefore the highway impact would be minimal.”

The traditional red-brick mid-terrace building, first built as offices in 1898, is a five minute walk from Bury Interchange and a two minute from Haymarket Street shopping parade.