Salford council is expanding its list of protected heritage buildings with 140 new sites, including a bingo hall, a pet groomer, an old potato warehouse, and post boxes. The town hall plans to give these sites the 'heritage asset' title, which adds protections when considering planning applications.
Historic and Unusual Nominations
Members of the public were asked to nominate buildings in their local area in summer 2025, with officers whittling the suggestions down. Alongside dozens of much-loved pubs, historic churches, bridges, and war memorials, the list includes the Cosmo Bingo hall on Liverpool Rd in Eccles, a pet groomer in Worsley’s Booth Villa, an old potato warehouse in Boothstown, and a selection of post boxes around the borough.
The Cosmo Bingo hall is touted as a 'great example of an Edwardian baroque style cinema', which was its use before it became a bingo parlor in the 1980s. Other selections include Bexley Square, opposite Salford University, a 'rare example of a complete Georgian townscape' and the site of the Battle of Bexley Square in 1931, where 10,000 workers clashed with police over a means test. The RHS Bridgewater, Ingleside Mansion (now a birthing centre), and Heigh Library also made the list.
Impact on Planning
Adding the buildings and monuments to the list does not block owners or developers from suggesting changes. However, the local authority said local heritage assets must be taken into consideration during planning applications, meaning architects are expected to design new buildings in a way that reflects the existing surroundings.
Public Consultation
Locals will be able to comment on the extensive list during a six-week consultation period. The public survey opens on August 3rd and ends September 14th.
