Bury's £350m shopping centre The Rock opens
Retailers at Bury's new £350m shopping centre, The Rock, have opened their doors for the first time.
The scheme by developer, Hammerson, has transformed the town centre, creating three new department stores, 60 shops a cinema, bowling alley and 400 flats.
Anchored by Marks and Spencer and Debenhams the development is estimated to have created 500 new jobs.
The Rock's spokesman said that the scheme would bring business to all areas of the town.
David Laycock, The Rock's centre director said: "This is giving people what they've previously been travelling outside of Bury to get by visiting places like the Trafford Centre.
"We will bring millions more people into the town who currently shop elsewhere.
"The Rock will benefit all areas including Mill Gate and the market as the whole of Bury's opening up to new and increased trade with free parking after 6 o'clock."
Entertainment and competitions are being staged throughout the day to mark the opening including a world record attempt by local children to create the largest gathering of air guitarists.