A new affordable housing block of 38 homes could be built on part of a struggling shopping centre in Salford, should town planners give the go-ahead to updated plans.
The scheme, proposed by For Living & For Housing, would see the homes erected on a plot that was once part of the Salford shopping precinct. The land near the Swinton Palais on Station Rd was previously occupied by a hairdresser’s salon, which closed after struggling for several years. The building was demolished and turned into a car park.
Development Details
The dilapidated area is now set for a new lease of life, with For Living & For Housing committing to a 100% affordable development. The part-four and five storey apartment block would offer a mix of affordable units, including 26 one-bedroom homes for two people, three two-bedroom homes for up to three people, and three two-bedroom homes for up to four people.
Once completed, the affordable homes would be managed by a registered social landlord and will remain affordable in perpetuity.
Timeline and Construction
The plans were approved in June this year, subject to further details such as a construction plan. With those details now submitted, building could begin by the end of August if town planners rubber stamp the scheme. Construction work would take place between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 2pm on Saturdays, with no work on Sundays or bank holidays.
No Commercial Space
The plans for the new building do not include any commercial space, despite being located next to the shopping parade leading to the centre. Swinton shopping centre has been increasingly struggling, with around 50% of retail units currently empty, and locals describing the area as a ghost town.
A report supported by council officers stated: “Whilst the proposal to introduce residential development without active ground floor uses is a lost opportunity, on balance there remains ample opportunity to provide shops, services and other main town centre uses within the centre.”
