Salford acquires Eccles Shopping Centre for major regeneration scheme 

The city council has bought the 200,000 sq ft retail asset from Columbia Threadneedle for £4.15m, paving the way for the wholesale redevelopment of the town centre. 

“It’s time to accept some hard truths, that the centre as it stands now isn’t working for the town or the community,” said Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett. 

“It’s now time to show Eccles the love and support it badly needs.” 

Salford City Council’s acquisition of Eccles Shopping Centre, located off Church Street, follows a consultation earlier this year, during which residents were asked what the future of the town should look like.  

Dennett said: “We’ve listened to the needs of the community and by taking ownership of the shopping centre, we can work alongside the local community, stakeholders and a developer partner to bring this shared vision to life.  

“A vision to re-purpose the area and create a modern mixed-use development with civic spaces that complement the historic parts of the town centre.” 

More than 600 residents took part in the initial public consultation around the future vision for Eccles, which will comprise a mixed-use scheme featuring homes. 

It highlighted views from residents, stakeholders, and community groups for the need for drastic change, a fundamental transformation and the redevelopment of the town centre, according to the council. 

Future consultation led by Salford City Council will begin in the coming months with a programme of engagement, consultation and local events.