Plans to transform Eccles town centre have entered a new phase as residents are invited to give their views on a draft masterplan.
Salford City Council and developer Muse formed a long-term partnership in summer 2025 aimed at creating a more modern and vibrant town centre. An initial consultation held in the autumn gathered feedback from the community on what changes people wanted to see.
The council and its partner say that feedback has helped shape proposals designed to improve public spaces, support local businesses and make it easier to move around the area, while preserving Eccles’ history.
The draft masterplan includes proposals for new shops, cafés and everyday services such as health and wellbeing facilities. Key streets including Albert Street, Peel Street and Vicarage Grove could be redesigned to improve accessibility and reduce traffic, with the aim of making the town centre easier to navigate.
Church Street and St Mary’s Gardens are also set to be enhanced with more greenery, better lighting and additional seating. Tree planting and landscaping across the town centre are intended to boost biodiversity and create a more welcoming environment.
The plans also outline the potential for around 1,272 new homes on the existing shopping centre site, forming part of a mixed-use neighbourhood. These would include a mix of private and affordable housing, with most buildings expected to be between three and 12 storeys.
A flexible community hub is also being proposed, which could host events, performances and exhibitions, as well as temporary markets and activities.
A four-week consultation on the draft masterplan has now begun, with a series of events planned to allow residents to speak with the project team. These include a public webinar and two drop-in sessions at Eccles Town Hall.
John Searle, deputy chief executive at Salford City Council, said the plans represented a significant opportunity for the town.
“Eccles has so much potential that can be unlocked to benefit the town’s residents, visitors and workers and I am pleased to see these plans coming forward,” he said.
“It is vital that the community continues to be involved in shaping the next phase. This is a rare opportunity to help guide the long-term future of the town centre.”
Alex Vogel, senior development manager at Muse, said the aim was to create a place where people want to spend time and where businesses can thrive.
“The voices of people who live here, visit here and work here are key and we want as many people as possible to get involved,” he said.
The consultation runs until 31 March. Click here for more details.
