Plans to transform Eccles town centre has begun with the demolition of the shopping centre, car park and Eccles Market Hall marking the first phase of the town’s regeneration.
The demolition is the first key phase of a long-term plan by Salford City Council to deliver a new shared vision for the future of the town centre, which has seen dwindling footfall in recent years.
The initial demolition has been focused on these areas as a part of phased work that will ultimately result in the development of a modern, vibrant, and fit-for-purpose town centre, a place where people can live, eat, meet, and play.
The demolition work is being conducted by Salford-based Connell Brothers demolition contractors and is expected to be completed before the end of the year.
Construction consultancy Identity Consult have been development managing the project on behalf of Salford City Council.
Councillor Mike McCusker, Lead Member for Planning, Transport and Sustainable Development at Salford City Council and Eccles Ward Councillor, said: “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.”
He continued: “It enables us to begin the implementation of this shared vision and that starts with this demolition. On site, here in the heart of the town centre it is great to see this work begin in earnest.
“Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today’s town centre remains open for business. 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.”
Cllr. McCusker added: “The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.
“We’re still extremely keen to get the views of local residents on their needs for a new town centre and welcome all feedback to ensure we develop this truly shared vision and create an Eccles that’s fit for the future.”
The redevelopment also follows a public consultation, which saw 600 residents share their views and aspirations for drastic improvements to the town centre.
Feedback highlighted that the current town centre isn’t working for or meeting the needs of the local community – with residents, stakeholders, and community groups all saying change, and a fundamental transformation and the redevelopment of the town centre was needed.
The plan, once demolition work is completed, will be to present a blank canvas to potential development partners – this will then allow the council to work and secure a development partner to help deliver the long-term shared vision for the town centre.
The demolition of Charles House in the town centre will be completed as part of the next phase of work within the wider Eccles Town Centre scheme.
For more information on the Eccles Vision and to share feedback towards the redevelopment – you can find more information here.
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