In a significant development for Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, two former public houses—the Railway Hotel and the Morning Star—are set to be transformed into Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This redevelopment aims to create modern accommodation for residents and visitors alike, responding to the growing demand for housing in the area. The Railway Hotel has remained closed for several years, suffering from a decline exacerbated by economic shifts and the recent pandemic. Proposed plans for this establishment include the creation of ten individual bedrooms, each equipped with private washing facilities, complemented by shared living and toilet areas, catering to short-term stays. Meanwhile, the Morning Star, which has been vacant since June 2022, has also been deemed unsuitable for sustained use as a pub and will be adapted into an HMO featuring en-suite amenities that surpass minimum size requirements. Both applications await consideration by Bury Council, with the hope of revitalizing these spaces and enhancing community accommodation options in Radcliffe.
Key Takeaways
- The redevelopment of The Railway Hotel and The Morning Star aims to convert vacant pubs into houses of multiple occupation (HMOs).
- Each HMO is designed to accommodate 10 residents with modern amenities, catering to short-term accommodation needs.
- The proposals will be reviewed by Bury Council, addressing community housing demands as former pubs become unviable.
Background on Former Pubs in Radcliffe
In a significant development for Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, two former pubs are set to be transformed into Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The Railway Hotel, which has been closed for several years, faces challenges due to an economic decline exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in its designation as inoperable without substantial investment. Plans for this site propose the inclusion of ten bedrooms—five on both the ground and first floors—equipped with individual washing facilities, as well as communal living and toilet areas tailored for short-term stays for visitors to the region (Bury Council, 2025).
Concurrently, The Morning Star pub, which has remained vacant since June 2022, is also slated for redevelopment. Similar to its counterpart, plans for The Morning Star include an HMO featuring en-suite bedrooms that meet and exceed minimum size regulations (Smith, 2025).
These proposals highlight the ongoing trend in repurposing traditional public houses into housing solutions that address the growing demand for accommodation in urban areas. The applications for both HMOs will be reviewed by Bury Council in the near future, marking an essential step in the revitalization of these properties.
Proposed HMO Developments and Community Impact
The shift towards converting public houses into HMOs reflects broader changes in housing demand and urban planning strategies across the UK. As traditional pubs continue to close their doors, influenced by shifts in consumer preferences and economic pressures, local councils are facing increasing pressure to find sustainable housing solutions. This trend can be seen not just in Radcliffe, but across numerous communities grappling with housing shortages and the need for short-term accommodation options (National Housing Federation, 2025). Moreover, the proposed developments at The Railway Hotel and The Morning Star could contribute to the local economy by providing affordable lodging for visitors to the area, boosting trade for local businesses and attractions. Community consultations are ongoing to ensure that resident concerns regarding these developments are addressed (Bury Council, 2025). The outcomes of these applications will set a precedent for future transformative projects involving vacant pub sites.
