Plans are afoot for new apartments, complete with 'generous private' balconies, in the heart of Eccles town centre.
ForHousing has lodged an application to construct a nine-storey building at the junction of College Croft and Fox Street, envisioned as an 'extra care lite' development.
The proposed site is located near the existing College Croft residential tower block, with a planned separation of over 14m from the new structure.
Should it receive the green light, the new establishment would house a total of 46 apartments and two communal rooms, in addition to staff facilities, six parking spaces, and other ancillary works around the building.
Project leaders hope the social care facility will contribute to the ongoing enhancement of Eccles as a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
ForHousing's website says such extra care housing offers residents the opportunity to enjoy their own home while maintaining a level of independence that suits their needs. Their goal is to create 'highly desirable' homes for both new and existing customers.
Planning documents reveal that the building will be designed with 'high quality' apartments, with residents having access to communal lounges and activity spaces.
Being near Eccles town centre means easy access to a variety of transport options, including a tram stop, train station, and bus routes.
The majority of the apartments within the building will be one-bedroom units, with a smaller selection of two-bedroom homes also available.
The development is anticipated to primarily cater to the elderly demographic, who are more likely to require care services.
A prior application for a seven-storey 'extra care lite' development comprising 36 apartments had been greenlit by Salford council in December. However, the applicant subsequently revised and resubmitted this as a new proposal.
Notable alterations from the previously sanctioned plans include the removal of a bridge link to College Croft and two ground floor retail units.
Eccles is bracing itself for significant transformation in coming months. Demolition work has commenced on a portion of the shopping centre, which houses 14 retail outlets, a multi-storey car park, and the market hall, signalling the initial phase of the town's rejuvenation.
This follows Salford council's acquisition of the shopping centre in December 2022 for a sum of £4.15m, sparking a vision for change amid concerns over vacant shops and dwindling visitor numbers.
