TOWNSIDE Fields in Bury is set to be transformed with a £58 million plan to build flats, offices and a hotel.

ASK Property Developments will partner Bury Council in a joint venture company designed to generate huge investment in the area and eventually in other schemes across the borough.

The Manchester-based property developers were chosen from a shortlist of five, and the partnership was approved by members of the executive on Wednesday (May 19).

The first project for the new company is a mixed-use masterplan for Townside Fields, covering 350,000 sq ft, immediately facing the Town Hall and leading down to the Metrolink.

The plan, as forecast by the Bury Times back in January, is to put up four buildings which will accommodate offices, apartments, a hotel and retail space. The council is looking to occupy some of the offices, possibly moving staff over from Craig House and Lester House when the leases expire.

Key to the development is the provision of new public space and a new crossing to the Metrolink.

Mr Ken Knott, chief executive of Ask Developments, said: "Together with Bury Council, we have the complementary skills to deliver exciting projects for the whole of the borough with which we are delighted to be involved.

"Townside Fields will be the first scheme of many to further boost a thriving borough."

And Mr Mark Sanders, chief executive of Bury Council, said: "This exciting opportunity is one of many to help provide Bury with the facilities of a modern 21st century town, to provide additional jobs, create more wealth and be complementary to the other positive aspects currently under development."

A planning application for the site is expected to be submitted in the autumn. If approved, work could start in summer 2005.