‘A once-in-a-generation opportunity’
Residents in the town have been calling for improvements (Image: Sean Hansford / MEN)
The transformation of Eccles town centre has taken another step forward. Plans to revamp the town centre, near the M602 and Salford Royal, have been making progress since a vision was launched for its future in December 2022.
Demolition of part of Eccles shopping centre started in the spring, before developer Muse was appointed by the council as its partner in making the masterplan a reality,
Residents, businesses and others are now being asked to give their views on what they want Eccles to look like.
Their thoughts will be used to help create a masterplan aimed at improving public spaces, supporting independent businesses, and strengthening connections across the town.
To see planning applications; traffic and road diversions and layout changes; and more, visit the Public Notices Portal HERE
“Eccles is a town with a proud heritage and exciting potential,” said Coun Mike McCusker, the lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council.
“The masterplan, once developed with community voices at its heart, will create new homes and spaces that residents can enjoy and be proud of for decades to come.
“This regeneration is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring the community together to shape the town’s future. Whether you live or work in the town, I’d urge everyone with a stake in Eccles to attend one of the drop-in events or join the public webinar and share your views to help shape the future of the town centre.”
A map of future changes coming to Eccles town centre (Image: Salford council / Muse)
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The consultation will take place over four weeks, with the new masterplan set to be ready by May 2026.
Events are being held where the local community will have an opportunity to speak to the project team about the proposals and to share their views.
This includes a live public webinar on Thursday, October 23 at 6pm, and two drop-in events at Eccles Town Hall on Saturday October 25 from 10am – 2pm, and Friday, October 31 from 1:30pm – 6:30pm.
Alex Vogel, senior development manager at Muse, added: “We are at the very early stages of our plans and building on the work that has already been undertaken to develop the Eccles Vision and we want to understand more about the specific wants and needs that the community would like to see brought forward.
“This initial community conversation led by the partnership is an important step in helping us deliver a town centre that reflects what local people want, whilst celebrating local businesses and enhancing the historic character of Eccles.”
A link to the consultation can be found here.