The iconic Concord Suite in Droylsden is set to be partially demolished after sitting empty for 11 years. Tameside council’s planning panel approved the scheme on October 14, which will see the upper parts of the building, including the former function room and dance hall, torn down while the lower levels are retained and secured.
The building has been a landmark on Droylsden’s skyline since the 1970s. The local authority tabled the plan to prepare the structure for a planned redevelopment into housing, retail and leisure space.
Asbestos and Life Expiry
During the panel hearing, members were told the action was necessary because the building was ‘riddled with asbestos’ and had gone beyond its ‘life expiry’.
New Era, which operates Droylsden Shopping Centre surrounding the Concord Suite, opposed the scheme. Planning agent Bill Davidson, speaking on New Era’s behalf, called it ‘irrational’ and a ‘backwards step for the town’.
He told the panel: “Partial demolition is a complex process that is lengthy. No proposals for redevelopment will leave retailers in limbo. Committing the town centre to limbo for some time is a backward step.”
Council Defends the Plan
Deputy council leader Andrew McLaren spoke in support of the application, saying traders in the shopping centre would be able to continue operating during the demolition work, though he admitted there would be disruption to businesses. He added that the council already spends a lot of money maintaining the deteriorating structure, which would soon need scaffolding anyway, and felt the part-demolition plan offered better value for money.
Ben Middleton, assistant director of strategic property at Tameside council, said: “We are doing this now so businesses can trade in the long term. We are taking it down now because we can’t leave it deteriorating. If we spent money to retain it, that would be a waste of public money.”
Next Steps and Masterplan
The panel, sitting in Guardsman Tony Downes House, unanimously approved the scheme. Approval means the council will start removing asbestos and internal wiring before taking apart the structure. Internal works are estimated to take three to six months, followed by another six months for demolition.
The scheme is seen as the latest step in the Droylsden Masterplan, which the council says will create new opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors while strengthening the town centre. Other aspects of the masterplan include a revamp of public squares, better links between old and new housing developments to the town centre, and a canal park connecting the central hub to Droylsden Marina.
