A town shaped
by its rich heritage

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Eccles’ identity is deeply rooted in its rich heritage. As one of Salford’s historic towns, its story stretches back to the 14th century. Through the regeneration of the town centre, we want to ensure that Eccles’ past continues to inspire its future - celebrating and enhancing the heritage that makes the town unique.

The Evolution of Eccles

1600s

St Mary’s Parish Church dates back to the 13th century and was rebuilt in stone around 1633 after earlier timber structures. It has since stood as a focal landmark for the growing township.

1820s

The world’s first passenger rail line, the Liverpool & Manchester Railway, was built in 1828, with Eccles station opening the same year. This made Eccles one of the first towns in the world to have a passenger railway station.

1880s

Eccles Town Hall was built in 1881. It became the headquarters for the Eccles Metropolitan Borough in 1892.

1890s

During the late 1800’s there was a significant amount of residential development, with many terraced properties built within the town centre, a density emerging around Church Street.

1960s

In the 1960s, Eccles was thriving, with the famous Talk of the North nightclub attracting stars like Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, and Shirley Bassey. The decade also saw the construction of Eccles Shopping Centre, which replaced many terraced properties but reduced the town centre’s permeability.

1970s

The M602 motorway construction began in 1969, taking 2 years to complete. The Eccles by-pass was the first urban motorway to be built in Lancashire.

1990s

The opening of the Trafford Centre in the late 1990s drew shoppers and leisure activities away from Eccles, leading to a sharp decline in the town centre. This shifted Eccles’ identity from a district shopping hub to more of a local convenience centre, with a new leisure centre built along part of the ring road.

2000s

In 2000, the Metro-link and bus terminal opened, alongside the completion of the ring road, which aimed to reduce through-traffic on Church Street and improve motorway connections. The early 2000s also saw the opening of The Lowry at Salford Quays and new large-scale retail including Morrisons, drawing shoppers away from independent retailers in Eccles and further changing the town centre’s character.

2022

Salford City Council launched the Eccles Vision and submitted a government funding application to purchase Eccles Shopping Centre and begin its demolition.

2023

Salford City Council secured £5.3 million in government funding to purchase and demolish Eccles Shopping Centre.

2025

Phase one demolition of Eccles Shopping Centre and multi-storey car park was completed. Muse is appointed as Salford City Council’s strategic regeneration partner. A community conversation takes place in autumn 2025 to understand local priorities and ideas for the future of the town centre.

2026

Salford City Council and Muse review feedback from the initial community conversation on ideas and concepts for the town centre, which took place in October 2025. This feedback has been used to develop a draft masterplan, which sets out the town centre opportunities and future opportunities which forms the basis of the next community conversation.

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Eccles Vision 2022

The 2022 Eccles Vision gave the community a voice, highlighting what matters most for the town’s future. People called for a centre where you can eat, meet, play and work; for heritage and green spaces to be protected and enhanced; and for Eccles to feel better connected within the town and to the wider city region.

These priorities have continued to shape thinking for Eccles Town Centre. Feedback shared during the community conversation in October 2025 has helped inform a draft masterplan, setting out town centre opportunities to support a vibrant and resilient Eccles – one that celebrates its past while embracing new opportunities, with the community at its heart.

Our place to eat, work, meet and play

Feedback showed a strong desire to transform Eccles into a more vibrant and welcoming town centre. Residents told us that the shopping centre and multi-storey car park feel “unloved, downtrodden, and left behind,” creating the impression of a neglected town with no real “heart” or “soul.”

People wanted to see fewer outdated retail units and more modern, multi-purpose spaces where they can spend time. This included opportunities for independent shops and start-up businesses, food and drink outlets, entertainment and cultural activities, and places to relax with friends and family. Concerns were also raised about safety, particularly in the evenings, with little on offer in terms of nightlife or activities that would encourage people to stay in the town after dark.

From this feedback, a clear theme emerged: the need to reinvent Eccles as a place to eat, meet, work and play. Its central location makes it perfectly placed to attract new residents and visitors and new businesses – encouraging people to spend their time and money locally, supporting businesses and helping Eccles grow as a sustainable, thriving town.

We listened to your views on this theme and have carried them forward into the draft masterplan. Through the community conversation, your feedback has helped shape the town centre opportunities being explored, aimed at creating the right mix of spaces, activities and uses to bring new life into Eccles Town Centre while reflecting what matters most to local people.

Strong roots, green shoots

Feedback highlighted how important Eccles’ heritage, character, and green spaces are to local people. Residents spoke with pride about landmarks such as St Mary’s Church, the historic buildings and waterways, and the distinct character of Church Street, while calling for these assets to be enhanced and better integrated into the town’s future vision.

There was also a strong sense that any regeneration should build on what makes Eccles unique, rather than replacing it with something that could be “anywhere.” Maintaining identity and celebrating the town’s history was seen as essential, while also creating something new that attracts people and investment.

From this feedback, the theme of Strong Roots, Green Shoots emerged. It reflects the community’s ambition to protect Eccles’ heritage and green assets, while using them as a foundation for future growth. These priorities have informed the draft masterplan and helped shape town centre opportunities that support a greener, more sustainable Eccles while celebrating what makes the town distinctive.

Creating connections

There was a clear call for Eccles to make better use of its transport links and prime location – both to attract more people into the town and to better support local businesses and residents. Creating reasons for people to visit, work, stay and invest was seen as critical to turning strong transport links into real, everyday benefits.

From this feedback, the theme of creating connections emerged. Further ideas shared through the community conversation have helped inform the draft masterplan, which explores how improved transport, walking and cycling routes, and stronger social and economic connections could support Eccles to benefit from a more active role within the wider growth of Salford and Greater Manchester.

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