A new chapter for Eccles as Town Centre redevelopment begins
- Written by Declan Carey
- Last updated 3 days ago
- City of Salford
Plans to transform Eccles town centre have taken a huge step forward.
Work has now started to demolish part of the shopping centre, which includes 14 retail units, the multi-storey car park, and the market hall, marking the first key phase of the town’s regeneration.
Eccles Town Centre upgrade
Salford council bought the shopping centre in December 2022 for £4.15m, and launched a vision for change after concerns over empty shops and falling numbers of visitors.
A public consultation on the plans saw more than 600 people share their thoughts on the future of Eccles town centre, with many calling for ‘drastic’ improvements.
In creating a vision for Eccles, the council said some residents had described the town as ‘downtrodden’, with a feeling that it had been ‘left behind’.
The council stressed that the demolition work will take some time, with the initial phase expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Afterwards, a development partner will be appointed to bring the transformation plans to life, with the aim of creating a ‘vibrant and fit-for-purpose’ town centre for people to enjoy.
Charles House Eccles
Charles House in the town centre is also set to be demolished as part of the next phase of work within the wider scheme.
“Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today’s town centre remains open for business,” said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council.
“I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre.
“The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.”
Councillor McCusker
Coun McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, said the town has a positive future ahead as a result of the work.
He added: “Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community.
“It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community.
“The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.”
The demolition work is being carried out by Salford-based Connell Brothers demolition contractors.
Construction consultancy Identity Consult have been development managing the project on behalf of Salford City CouncilSalford City Council.
- This article was last updated 3 days ago.
- It was first published on 31 March 2025 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.
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