A new skyscraper being built in Salford has divided opinions in the city.
Mark Webb at Regent Retail Park in Salford.
Greater Manchester’s tallest skyscraper will soon tower above Salford.
The £1bn landmark scheme at Regent Retail Park, in Ordsall, was given the green light by planners this week. The development from Henley Investment Management will bring 3,300 homes across 10 buildings at the site, with 660 social rent homes, a park, and space for a healthcare facility.
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Existing shops will be demolished to make way for the new development.
At 78-stories tall, it will become Greater Manchester’s biggest skyscraper.
But those living on the streets which will soon stand in its shadow say more family homes are urgently needed to help those struggling to find a place to live in the city.
Regent Retail Park in Salford (Image: LDRS)
There are around 5,000 households on Salford’s housing register, with huge demand for homes at affordable prices.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service spoke to people at Regent Retail Park about the massive changes coming to the area.
Some welcomed the chance for new social rent homes in Ordsall, but others were worried about whether the scheme would benefit the existing community.
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Barbara Jones lives on a housing estate in Ordsall next to Regent Road.
“We do need more houses in Salford, but not apartments,” she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
“A lot of people around here have kids or pets, where are they going to go?
“This is where you come to bump into people you know and have a chat.
“The only time a lot of older people get out is to come here, they might not want to do that anymore.”
Barbara Jones at Regent Retail Park in Salford.
The developer has previously said the shops at Regent Retail Park have all been invited back to the new neighbourhood, which will be built over 10 years on the land.
Work at the site will take place in phases, to allow some traders to stay open while construction is taking place.
The blueprint includes creating up to 10,000 sqm of space for community uses or shops and businesses.
But some at Regent Retail Park still had reservations about the change, fearing the potential loss of the existing chemist, the affordable choice of shops, and its gym.
Angela Heaton lives in Ordsall with her partner, Gilbert Hyde.
The couple said they regularly do their shopping at the retail park.
“I would want to keep it as it is, it just needs doing up a bit and the main shops are here,” Ms Heaton said.
She also spoke about Salford’s need for a mix of housing types.
“My daughter’s been on the housing waiting list for 15 years, she’s got children, they can’t live in a 2-bed flat.”
Mr Hyde added: “There’s not enough four-bedroom houses anymore, that’s the problem.
“There’s nothing wrong with the retail park as it is, we need these shops.”
Angela Heaton and her partner Gilbert Hyde at Regent Retail Park in Salford.
Concerns about Henley’s plans sparked a campaign called Save Regent Retail Park, which amassed thousands of signatures calling to save the site from redevelopment.
These concerns came up during the planning meeting on November 6, when Rebecca Long-Bailey MP and Ordsall councillors Brendan Keville and Ben Grogan spoke against Henley’s application.
For its part, the developer has stressed the major boost the project could be for Salford as a city, the extra council-tax income for the town hall, and helping hundreds of people get off the housing register and move into social rent homes.
Henley Investment Management said it was pleased that people recognised the commitment it had made to delivering affordable housing in Salford.
A spokesperson for the company said: “We are glad residents are positive about the enhancements Henley made to the development, and we are committed to delivering high quality retail that meets the needs of the local population, as well as housing 660 families in new affordable homes.
“Our intention is to leave a positive legacy for the local community.”
Salford council also welcomed the approval of the development, which was passed at its planning panel meeting on November 6 with seven votes in favour and three against.
Coun Mike McCusker, Salford’s lead member for planning, said: “Salford City Council has long-recognised the importance of regeneration in enhancing the city and improving opportunities for local people.
“We hope this proposed development in Ordsall can bring further benefits, including a substantial contribution to Salford’s social housing supply.
“We recognise local people feel strongly about their area and raised a number of concerns. We hope they can see these were fully considered by the planning panel and that the approved proposal has addressed issues as far as possible.
“The council has a transparent process and follows local policies from Salford’s Local Plan, along with national policy and legislation, to make decisions on planning applications.
“Considerations such as infrastructure, schools, and community services are taken into account, alongside wider processes delivering services to meet community needs.”
The scheme was approved by Salford council planners.
Coun McCusker added: “We understand the need to make sure that people’s needs for homes of all sizes and tenures is a key priority, which is why our Local Plan policies stress the importance of the overall housing mix.
“With recent Office of National Statistics data highlighting the growing importance in Salford, and Greater Manchester, of homes for one and two people, developments like this have a vital role to play meeting housing needs.”
But concerns from local people remain.
Mark Webb, 36, a resident who shops at the retail park, said: “I use the shopping area here a lot, the next nearest one is the city centre or Eccles, a lot of people come here to shop.
“But we’ve got a booming population and new homes are needed.”
Campaigners against Henley’s project said they will continue to follow the progress at Regent Retail Park.
Rebecca Long Bailey MP said there are still ‘genuine concerns’ from residents about the plans for the area, and said she will support residents to make sure they are heard.
Coun Brendan Keville said the campaign to save Regent Retail Park helped shape Henley’s development.
He added: “I don’t believe these changes would have happened without the tireless campaigning of local residents.
“However, there are outstanding significant concerns the community have with Henley plans.
“As a community we will work together to identify next steps for the campaign and that Henley listen and respond to residents’ concerns for their plans.”
Speaking after Henley was awarded planning permission for its scheme from Salford council, the company’s chief executive Ian Rickwood said: “Our approved scheme for Regent Park will deliver a new green and sustainable neighbourhood, a renewed local centre for Salford.
“Our plans recognise the importance of retail and services for the community, retaining significant enhanced provision that will cater to the needs of local people, while delivering much needed high-quality homes, including a significant proportion of affordable homes, a new park, a village square and community forum.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Salford City Council, stakeholders and the local community to deliver our vision.”