Salford City Council partners with Muse for Eccles Town Centre Regeneration

Muse, the nationwide placemaker is Salford City Council’s strategic regeneration partner for Eccles Town Centre. Confirmation of the partnership comes following approval of the decision by leaders at a council cabinet meeting on 8 July. 

Muse has a well-established and successful relationship with the city council, stretching over a decade and covering a range of projects across the city. Muse is recognised as a key city partner as well as being a delivery partner on the recently established Salford Strategic Regeneration Forum (SRF).

The selection of Muse reflects the shared commitment between developer and council. An understanding and alignment of not only the vision and need for change in the town centre, but also of co-design, Salford-based professional knowledge and experience, social value, use of local contractors, accessibility, sustainability, the importance of quality, affordable housing and of keeping the community at the heart of the project.

Councillor Jack Youd, Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Finance, Support Services and Regeneration said:

“This is exciting news for what is a really significant piece of work and a priority for the council. Agreeing a strategic regeneration partner is a big step in the process. It now paves the way for future work to deliver on our promise to create an improved and fit-for-purpose town centre for the residents of Eccles in line with the shared vision we have developed with them.”

Following this confirmation, work will begin on the next stage of public consultation, planned for the autumn. Residents will be invited to share their views on what the transformation of the town centre should look like and their feedback will help shape a joint plan for the future. 

The redevelopment of Eccles Town Centre is a key priority for Salford City Council, as laid out in the 2024-2028 Corporate Plan – This is Our Salford. This plan began with a public consultation to create a shared vision for the town and was followed by the purchase of Eccles Shopping Centre by the council in December 2022. 

Now, work is ongoing to demolish Eccles Shopping Centre, car park and Eccles Market Hall as part of regeneration plans to revitalise the area. Demolition is focused on these areas that were highlighted through the consultation as not working for the residents. Following the demolition, the ultimate goal will be the development of a modern, vibrant and fit-for-purpose town centre, a place where people can live, eat, meet, and play.

Councillor Jack Youd, Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Finance, Support Services and Regeneration continued:

“For over a decade, we have established a strong working relationship with Muse, with a track record of delivering together high-quality regeneration projects across the city. These include Salford Central, New Bailey and the current work on Salford Rise as part of Crescent Salford masterplan. We see them as absolutely the right partner to work alongside as we bring the future of Eccles town centre to life. 

The redevelopment of Eccles town centre is a huge undertaking, a one-in-a-lifetime regeneration project and a robust partnership with the right developer is key to success. In Muse we know we have the right partner to achieve our shared aspirations for Eccles and bring about real, necessary change for our residents.”

Alex Vogel, Senior Development Manager, Muse said:
“We’re delighted to be selected as regeneration partner for Eccles town centre and continue our partnership with Salford City Council. It’s a great opportunity to make Eccles an even better place to live and work for the community”

As strategic regeneration partner, Muse will now look to collaborate with the council to deliver the significant development opportunity at the town centre. 

Creating places where people want to live is one of the cornerstones of Salford City Council’s priorities, outlined in our corporate plan This is our Salford. The work taking place at Eccles reflects our commitment to delivering on our ambitions to create a fairer, greener, healthier, and more inclusive city. 

For more information on the Eccles Vision and to share feedback visit our Eccles Vision webpage.