Connell Brothers awarded another Eccles demo job
Salford City Council’s 35,000 sq ft Charles House is to be pulled down as work to clear a chunk of the town centre for regeneration continues.
The city council acquired Charles House from MHE Investments for £2.5m last year. Connell Brothers has now been selected to knock down the vacant office building on the corner of Albert Street and John William Street via a direct award.
The contractor has already demolished a significant chunk of Eccles Shopping Centre on behalf of the city council. The plan had been to knock down Charles House at the same time but the authority does not yet have vacant possession of the building.
Work to clear the site is expected to begin in November once the lease on the asset’s telecommunications equipment comes to an end. The contract awarded to Connell Brothers is worth £429,000.
Councillor Mike McCusker, deputy city mayor and lead member for planning, transport, sustainable development and regeneration at Salford City Council, said: “The demolition of Charles House will mark another significant and visible step forward in the regeneration of Eccles town centre.
“Connell Brothers has been appointed as the demolition contractor, with work due to begin later this year. Charles House occupies a prominent town centre site and its removal will help pave the way for the next stages of our ambitious plans for Eccles.
He added: “The site is an important part of the wider Eccles masterplan and, alongside the work already taking place across the town centre, we are continuing to make real progress towards creating a revitalised Eccles for residents, businesses and visitors.”
Muse is currently working plans to redevelop Eccles, including the site of the former shopping centre and Charles House.
At present, the plans feature almost 1,300 homes as well as an overhaul of Church Street to create a lively artery in the heart of Eccles that will provide a home for independent businesses.
