Plans to convert a former pub in Salford into a 19-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) have divided opinion among locals. The Bridgewater on Liverpool Road in Eccles could become shared accommodation for 'working professionals', according to a planning application by Leeds-based developer Timothy Witt.
Conversion details
The proposal involves converting the ground floor into seven bedrooms and the second floor into 12 further bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. A large shared kitchen, dining and living area would be on the ground floor, with two additional kitchen and dining areas spread across both floors.
The scheme has sparked passionate debate online, with some mourning the loss of a pub with 'many happy memories' and others arguing the new accommodation would provide affordable housing for young people.
Community reactions
Many social media comments and posts in community groups speculated that The Bridgewater would be used to house asylum seekers, though there is no evidence to support these claims. The planning application states the property would offer 'much-needed affordable private rented accommodation for working professionals'.
Others expressed sadness at the loss of the pub, once managed by Joseph Holt breweries, which closed in February 2025. Local Sue Hackett commented: "Noooo, keep it as a pub. Lots of happy memories from my late aunts and uncles served behind the bar, and family members on the darts team."
Another added 'another one bites the dust', referencing the loss of several pubs in the area over the last decade, including the Unicorn, demolished for housing, and the White Lion, both on Liverpool Road.
Support for the plans
Others defended the plans. Paul Dixon wrote: "Shall we let the building just crumble instead? Many people looking for homes might appreciate a place to live in a modern HMO." Others pointed out that HMOs are effectively modern bedsits and can 'help young people save money to get on the property ladder'.
Dean Anthony addressed anti-immigration comments, saying: "People assume HMO means it's for immigrants (which even if it was, what are you scared of?) This one is publicly listed as being exclusively for working professionals. The target audience is young professionals, graduates, key workers and single individuals saving for a deposit. Surely you wouldn't object to people being able to actually afford a place to live?"
The developer and his planning agents were contacted for comment but did not respond. A planning statement included with the application said: "HMOs can make an important contribution to the availability of a diverse housing stock that serves the needs of a large segment of society including graduates, young professionals, key workers, young entrepreneurs, single-households saving for a deposit or unable to get on the housing ladder."
