Bury Council has approved a multi-million pound investment in leisure and shopping in the town, entering a three-year agreement with development partners Ask.

The investment will see the existing Castle Leisure Centre replaced by a major new foodstore once the development of a new leisure centre opposite the town hall is complete.

Councillor Mike Connolly, leader of Bury Council, said retail development The Rock had enhanced the town's attractiveness to visitors, but he said the regeneration was needed in other parts of the town and would create job opportunities.

He said: "We would also have new and sustainable high quality leisure facilities at Knowsley Place in a modern, more efficient environmentally friendly building.

"It would be ideally situated, close to the transport interchange, the new Premier Inn and the local colleges, and with car parking beneath it."