Plans unveiled for 23-storey Eccles tower
Developer Silverlane Group has outlined proposals to build a 23-storey residential development opposite Eccles train station to provide “a landmark gateway” to the town.
The proposals, which are still at consultation stage, feature 270 apartments over a potential 23 storeys, alongside a mix of commercial units at ground floor level for potential retail, café, or restaurant tenants.
The plot for the development borders Vicarage Grove and Birkdale Grove as well as the start of Church Street, Eccles’ main retail high street. Current occupiers include a Scape charity shop, Booths furniture, and The Top House pub.
Silverlane’s proposals centre around a courtyard to the middle with the tallest elevation of the building facing Vicarage Grove, and a smaller block running along John William Street and facing the car park opposite.
Although the designs are yet to be finalised the developer said the materials used would be “contemporary in nature yet sensitive to the local environment, context and history of Eccles”.
Silverlane added it had “worked closely with the council to develop the proposals which, if approved, will deliver a range of much needed high-quality housing and commercial spaces which will act as a catalyst for the further regeneration of Eccles town centre”.
A planning application is currently being prepared and will be submitted following consultation. Feedback on the proposals is being collated by NJL Consulting and members of the public can offer their views here.
According to Companies House, Silverlane Developments is headed up by two directors: Gary Illsley and Kathryn Illsley. The company was the original developer behind The Residence in Salford, a scheme featuring two towers of 34 and 14 storeys, which is now being built out by Elliot Group.
Why?
By Anon
A shrewd move. Eccles is adjacent to the M602 with easy access into Manchester, with a Tram Station in the town centre. A town overlooked for far too long and ripe for investment.
By Steve B
Why not?
By Anonymous
Be good for the rest of the businesses at the top end of church street when this development takes shape
By Tom porter
Steve, I am amazed this has not happened before now..
Eccles is a very well connected Town, 10 mins from the City Centre, 5 Mins from Media City. Trains to Manchester & Liverpool, Metrolink and right next to Trafford Park.
If there ever was a sleeping giant then this is the place.. Property is currently cheap but just watch how things develop…
By Tony C
Do it quicker than brexit it will be fine but it’s draged out poeple won’t like it
By John ashurst
The next big move for Eccles would be a full redevelopement of the shopping centre.
By Anonymous
Hmmm, I don’t think it’s going to top of the to list for anyone, but it has a chance if they can flog it as ‘central manchester’ to overseas investor mugs who know no better
By Paul Smithson
Salford City council vowed years ago – there would not be anymore high rise residential properties built over 3 floors – what happened to that agreement
By Yvonne earnshaw
With a bit of imagination Eccles could be a very sought after place to live. The tram terminates there and they have the very up Monton Green. There is very good housing stock between Eccles and Salford Royal too The town centre needs a good overhaul but it is so close to Mediacity it should be like Chorlton.
By Elephant
Eccles has potential but its town centre needs massive redevelopment and frankly, a reduction in total retail space.
By pete
I agree with Elephant – Eccles has a lot to recommend it and a lot of potential. The town centre needs an overhaul – this is not straightforward but I’m confident it can be done. More challenging, to my mind, are the big 1960s tower blocks in the centre of town. I’m not against tall buildings on principle, but these are particularly ugly and loom unignorably above the town. Knocking them down would require a lot of rehousing and disruption and would ultimately be very costly, but I’m not aware of any scheme anywhere where an ugly 1960s block like this has been successfully beautified. Any ideas what can be done about these?
By John
The tram stop there looks great on paper but in reality it is a nightmare and takes twice as long as it should. Until then everyone will continue to drive.
By Anon
I agree with the sentiments, however the relatively recent cladding refurb did improve the said tower blocks. The key will be reworking the town centre/precinct.
By John
and nice cakes
By yum
I think it is long over due Eccles needs this kind of investment.
By Ann
It’s about time ecckes had some money spent in it .the council have deprived the town off renovarmtion for years .this will be good for the town and the economy
By John
With a bit of imagination [and £2Bn] Eccles could be a very sought after place to live.
Fixed…
By Lloyd Hitchmough
270 flats! That’s potentially 200 cars, nothing I can see about parking spaces!
By Julie smith
Eccles already has far too many high rise buildings . The office blocks r mostly empty , why not demolish them . And build there as well . Then none of the buildings would not have to be high rise . And would be an improvement for the area . If this plan goes ahead . I will be living in its shadow. With all my sunlight soaked up by these brick walls . Might as well come take out my windows !!!!!
A close resident .
Living in a potential shadow .
I hope it gets rejected . It’s far too high and not sympathetic to the area
By Mrs morrison
Brilliant for the area .not before time
By John