Take a walk through Eccles Shopping Centre and the first thing you'll notice is security shutters - lots and lots of security shutters.
The unoccupied shop units are a stark illustration of how the heart of the town is yet to capitalise on the growth being seen in other parts of Salford, such as Monton, Media City and Greengate.
But, if you look closely enough, the green shoots of recovery can just about be made out. In October last year planning permission was granted for a £50m block of flats on the old Vauxhall car showroom, while work is ongoing on a 23-storey apartment block on Church Street.
Read more:
And, just before Christmas Salford council forked out £4.15m to buy Eccles Shopping Centre. It's the first step in what city chiefs describe as the 'fundamental transformation' of the town centre.
"It's time to accept some hard truths, that the centre as it stands now isn't working for the town or the community," says Salford Mayor Paul Dennett. "So, it's now time to show Eccles the love and support it badly needs.
"We've listened to the needs of the community and by taking ownership of the shopping centre, we can work alongside the local community, stakeholders and a developer partner to bring this shared vision to life. A vision to re-purpose the area and create a modern mixed-use development with civic spaces that complement the historic parts of the town centre."
The council say 'drastic change' is needed, with the long-term plan to create 'a vibrant town centre where people can eat, meet, and play'. "Eccles now needs to be part of city's regeneration story and benefit equally," a spokesperson said. "This is all to ensure it doesn't suffer further decline and enable it to play a vital role within a dynamic and diverse Salford."
But what do businesses and shoppers think needs to be done? Nora Ward, manager of the British Red Cross charity shop, says if they get it right Eccles could be 'booming'.
"This is a thriving area," she said. "On a daily basis this place can be packed. We are near to Manchester city centre, the Trafford Centre and the airport. Every single house that goes up for sale, it's gone straight away.
"It's a lovely town and there's some great people here, it just needs a facelift. When I moved here 27 years ago every single shop in this precinct was full.
"If they get it right it could be booming again. Knock it down and start again - that's what I'd like them to do. They need to do it and do it right away."
Next door Sadik Patel, owner of NP News, agrees. "I think the best bet is just to knock it all down and start all over again," he said.
"All the shutters are down, it's like a ghost town at the minute. We have been here eight years and in that time all the banks have gone, lots of shops have shut down. There's no reason to come here at the moment, because all there is is charity shops, Greggs and Home Bargains.
"But they're building lots of flats here, lots of people are moving into the area. There's a lot of potential here."
Jackie White has run a hairdressers on the precinct for 20 years. When asked what she'd like to see happen she has a simple answer: "More shops - we need more shops."
She'd also like to see the existing units improved. "They're a complete mess," she said. "Upstairs is all damp, there's no central heating. I've had to fit electric heaters, which are costing me a fortune at the minute.
"I live in Wythenshawe and we have the Civic Centre. Ten years ago that was like this is now. I never went.
"Now they've refurbished it - there's a Costa, two sports shops - and it's busy all the time. This place could be like that."
"There's nothing here," says Marie Fletcher, while she waits to have her cut by Jackie. "I know the charity shops are good, but there's too many of them. We need a travel agents, a clothes shop, a proper shoe shop."
Bisi Apata, who runs the Afro-Caribbean Superstore, says she would like to see rents lowered to encourage more businesses to open up. "I know lots people who want to start a business here, but the rents are just too expensive.
"They need to make it cheaper. What's the point in having empty shops costing money? Make it cheaper for people, that way you're making money and creating jobs.
"Eccles is a place where people want to live. It's calm, it's secure, it's a place where you can think about raising a family. "I think it [the council purchase] is a good thing.
"If they do it right I would open another shop here."
Salford council say a public consultation on the future of the shopping centre will be held in the coming months.
READ NEXT:
-
The big plans that could change the face of Rochdale in 2023 and beyond
-
A dream for the 'forgotten' place in Greater Manchester where you can't get a train into town
-
The cheapest houses in Greater Manchester that are new on the market in 2023
-
Horrifying pictures show canal in Salford Quays brimming with huge piles of litter
-
Inside 'magnificent' Manchester town hall - halfway through a £325m restoration
