A huge Radcliffe call centre building which once employed hundreds is to be converted into a warehouse. Plans have been approved for extensive demolition and conversion work to be undertaken at the former O2, Capita and Tesco Mobile building off Dumers Lane in the town.
The plans, which were approved in the past week, will see the multi-storey car park at the site demolished along with several plant buildings. The work will involve dismantling of internal structures and accommodation within the call centre hall including removing the second-floor staff restaurant canteen to create a massive warehouse.
In 2015, Capita revealed plans to axe 350 staff working for O2 at the call centre. Later, new call centre clients, including Tesco Mobile and Television Licensing moved into the building, but in May 2021 Capita suddenly announced the centre would close its doors within months with workers asked to to relocate 35 miles away to Preston Brook, near Warrington.
That decision was slammed by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham who said staff who had ‘worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic helping to keep the country connected’ deserved better. At the time a Capita spokesperson they were ‘making the most of our property footprint’ and ‘we have made the difficult decision to close our Bury contact centre’.
Documents published alongside the recent demolition application by applicants Dwyer Asset Management Ltd gave details of the upcoming works at the site. They said: “There is a significant amount of work required within the existing building, some of which will require the use of heavy demolition machinery.
“Current access is for personnel only and therefore we will need to create an access for plant and equipment and for the general removal of waste materials. “The building is to be restored to its original use as a warehouse and therefore it is proposed to create new goods doors.”
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