Completely different from any other architectural design in Bury, the building is a world away from the Abbey Ruins, Norman Tower and Athenaeum, for which Bury is so famous.

The new building is gaining both positive and negative attention, so the Bury Free Press went on to the streets of the town to find out what people really think.

Viewed by some as a 'space machine' which should be capable of bringing more people into the town, it seems the modern design has won over many onlookers.

However, others have described it as 'awful', 'ugly', 'an eyesore' and 'too futuristic'.

Tony White, of Hopkins architects, which is responsible for designing the arc development – including the Debenhams building – said: "A lot will change as the development progresses and the look and feel of the individual buildings will be different from now compared to when it has been completed.

"The Debenhams building is interesting as it has a nice materiality to the cladding and each panel is made of individually- cast aluminium and, in this sense, the building is unique.

"The development is a fresh and new part of Bury, but the open spaces and the streets which connect them reflect the old part of the town," he added.

"We are not trying to re-write the rule book but it will offer a different perspective to the town and it's interesting to know about the different opinions people have of the development."