Salford to endorse 15-year vision for Eccles

A masterplan that will underpin Muse’s efforts to rejuvenate the town centre and deliver up to 1,300 homes is due to be adopted next week.

Salford City Council’s cabinet is recommended to approve the masterplan following an extensive public engagement exercise that has sought views from local residents and stakeholders to shape the future of Eccles.

Enviable connectivity – Eccles is close to the motorway network, has a train station, and is served by the Metrolink – coupled with an underperforming town centre, make for a tantalising regeneration prospect.

• Read more about the plans for Eccles 

Salford City Council set plans to wake the sleeping giant of Eccles into motion in 2022 with an early-stage consultation exercise.

However, transformational change would not be possible without the acquisition of Eccles Shopping Centre – the outdated, large retail complex that dominates the town centre.

In December of 2022, Place North West broke the news that the council had taken control of the asset, and with it, Eccles’ destiny.

In 2025, Muse was appointed as development partner. 

Breathing life back into Church Street is a key part of the plans. Credit: via Turley Strategic Comms

Subject to the approval of the masterplan next Tuesday, work to bring forward the first residential phase could begin in 2028, according to a council report. A 250-unit affordable scheme is proposed on land currently occupied by the former Charles House office building, which was bought by the council in early 2025 and is due to be demolished by the end of the year.

As well as homes, one of the key tenets of the plan – and one of the desires of more than 400 consultation respondents – is to breathe life back into Eccles through the activation of Church Street.

It is envisaged the street will provide a landing spot for independent retailers, restaurants, and coffee shops and act as the main artery of the new and improved Eccles.

Cllr Mike McCusker, deputy city mayor and lead member for planning, transport, sustainable development and regeneration at Salford City Council, said: “The proposed Masterplan Vision sets out an exciting and ambitious future for Eccles.

“An extensive community conversation helped to ensure that this has been shaped by local people, along with businesses and also people who work in or visit the town centre. I would like to thank all those who took part. Cabinet will discuss the vision at the meeting, and a full decision will be made.”

Matt Whiteley, senior development manager at Muse, added: “Hundreds of people have taken the time to get involved, tell us what matters to them and help shape the Masterplan Vision, and that has been central to the work we have done to date.

“There is a real appetite to see positive change in Eccles, while protecting the heritage, character and community that make the town special. We’re proud of what has been developed so far and excited about the next stage.”