A developer has unveiled plans to demolish a large part of Regent Retail Park in Salford and create a huge new inner-city neighbourhood. Most of the current stores including Costa Coffee, TX Maxx, Home Bargains, and Boots would be demolished under the proposals.
In their place 10 new apartment blocks and a five acre park could be built, Henley Investment Management, which bought the shopping centre for £16m in 2020, said. If planning permission is approved the stores will remain open until 2026, when the current lease expires.
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Sainsbury's supermarket, which occupies much of the site off Regent Road, is not affected. Matt Brook, founding director of Matt Brook Architects, which is leading on the design, said: "At the heart of our placemaking-led, people-first vision for Regent Park is a new urban park, which will provide much-needed green space for Salford residents.
"Our masterplan creates a safe, walkable and inclusive neighbourhood where nature and architecture work together harmoniously, fostering a community that prioritises liveability and wellbeing."
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The new tower blocks, which could be built on the northern part of the retail park, between the railway line, Oldfield Road and Ordsall Lane, will 'provide an exciting new addition to the skyline', the developer says. But the prospect of hundreds of new homes along one of Greater Manchester's busiest roads will be of concern to many.
However the developer says that while there will be some parking on site, 'vehicle movements will be deliberately limited' and it will instead 'promote more sustainable modes of transport'. Every resident will be provided with a bicycle storage space.
As part of the development a new 'urban park' could also be built. Split into four zones, it would include a public square, an area dubbed 'Oldfield Yard', which would include art and lighting 'inspired by the site's railway and industrial heritage' and Ordsall Steps 'a colourful gateway to and from Manchester city centre with water fountains, street gardens and outdoor seating'.
What do you think of the plans? Have your say in our comments below.
Henley Investments say they plan to demolish the 'outdated' retail park as 'both the local area and shopping habits... are very different' to when it was built 30 years ago. They said: "Since then, consumer shopping patterns have changed significantly with the rise of online shopping.
"Physical shops are changing and many retailers require less space. Our town centres are also changing, with more emphasis on dining, leisure and experiences. As a result, regeneration is needed to ensure that the site continues to meet the needs of the local community over the long-term."
A public consultation is on the proposals is open until March 15. You can have your say here.
A planning application is expected to submitted by autumn this year and if approved construction could start in 2026, with the first residents moving in two years later.
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