A town shaped
by its rich heritage

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 this community conversation, 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 begins. Muse is appointed as Salford City Council’s strategic regeneration partner. A public consultation on the future of Eccles launches in Autumn 2025.

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A bold new chapter

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 and play; for heritage and green spaces to be protected and enhanced; and for Eccles to feel better connected both within the town and to the wider city region.

We’ve listened to those priorities, and they now guide the next chapter of regeneration – creating a vibrant and resilient Eccles that celebrates its past while embracing new opportunities, with the community at the heart of every step.

Theme 1: Our place to eat, meet and play

Feedback showed a strong desire to transform the heart of 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-ups, 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, and play. Its central location makes it perfectly placed to attract new residents and visitors – encouraging people to spend their time and money locally, supporting businesses and helping Eccles grow as a sustainable, thriving town.

We have listened, and this theme is now being taken forward into the next stage of our community conversation. Together, we want to explore how Eccles can provide the right mix of spaces, activities, and opportunities to bring new life into the town centre while ensuring it reflects what matters most to local people.

Theme 2: 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 was identified. This reflects the community’s desire to protect Eccles’ heritage and green assets while using them as a foundation for future growth. We are now taking this theme forward as part of the current community conversation, exploring how Eccles can evolve in a way that honours its past while creating a greener, more sustainable future for everyone.

Theme 3: Creating connections

Residents recognised Eccles’ excellent transport links and prime location but expressed frustration that these assets are not being used to their full potential. While trams, trains, and roads connect the town to Manchester, Salford Quays, and beyond, many felt Eccles is seen as a “drive-through” rather than a destination in its own right. People also felt previous attempts at regeneration lacked coordination and leadership, leading to missed opportunities.

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

Building on Eccles’ excellent transport network, there is now an opportunity to strengthen connections to key destinations, neighbouring communities, and existing green infrastructure.

From this feedback, the theme of creating connections was identified. We are now taking this theme forward as part of the current community conversation, exploring how Eccles can improve movement within the town and strengthen social and economic connections with its neighbours, helping the town play an active role in the wider growth of Salford and Greater Manchester.

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