Plans submitted to transform Greater Manchester town into ‘vibrant place to live’

People have lived in the historic market town of Eccles for hundreds of years, but recently the town has been in decline. Nearly half of its shops are empty but that could all be about to change because plans have been submitted to create a vibrant new centre, starting with improvements to the shopping centre.

Regeneration

Salford council has submitted a planning application to demolish 14 retail units, the multi storey car park, and Northway Market as part of its plans to kickstart regeneration in the area.

If the demolition work is approved, there are plans to redevelop the site by creating new residential and commercial spaces.

The town hall bought Eccles Shopping Centre in December 2022 for £4 million after residents said it had become “downtrodden” and “left behind.”

The council is in the process of appointing a developer to work alongside on the scheme, shaping the future of the town with input from the residents and businesses.

Eccles vision

It’s part of the wider ‘Eccles vision’ to make the town a place where people want to live, work, and spend their free time.

The aim is to build more homes in Eccles, as well as driving investment and creating new jobs. That includes attracting more independent retailers and ‘pop-up’ food outlets, alongside new bars, cafes, and meeting places.

The town’s location,  just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre,  offers connections to some of the liveliest parts of the Greater Manchester region, with the option to travel by public transport as well as using nearby motorways.

The work could help to turn the town’s fortunes around and make it one of the most exciting places to be in Greater Manchester.

A spokesperson for Salford city council said the planning team aim to make a formal decision in May this year.

Pic Eccles Shopping Centre. Copyright: Sean Hansford MEN