Market traders in Eccles are unhappy to say the least over council plans to demolish the towns indoor market hall and adjacent car park as part of what the council say's will be a phased demolition and redevelopment of the 200,000 sq ft site, which is expected to take in the not too distant future. They say the indoor market is more than just a place for commerce; it is a hub for social interaction and community bonding and that the plans will see long established businesses forced to relocate or close which could result in local job losses and a venue in which small businesses can thrive. The Council have told stall holders they will be allowed to trade over the Christmas period, after which they will be offered advice on relocation or winding down options, however, the effected traders say that they are a community deeply rooted in the market hall and that the community café which recently underwent kitchen refurbishment, along with various other businesses, forms the beating heart of the market. In a statement released alongside a petition, they say that the council's decision to tear it down threatens not just their livelihoods but also the spirit of Eccles itself. Donna Tighe who runs Harold's Cafe in the indoor market, told us: "We knew that the Precinct was due for demolition, however several months ago a chap called Justin from the Council called into see us and showed us a few empty units that were available to us and other traders in the Market. "However last week a lady called Sarah Malone from the Council called and told us all, outside the Café that there were no units available and that other plans were to be made and basically we had to fend for ourselves. "I have only been here seven months but I have spent a small fortune on new equipment, fittings and heating, I am disgusted at the way we are being treated being told one thing and then a few weeks later something else, we are having a further meeting at Swinton Town Hall but I fear the worst" Wendy Griffiths who has a haberdashery and wool stall told us that her Mother Patricia, had previously traded on the old Eccles market and that the stall was her life as her family had been trading in Eccles for over 60 years. Another Stallholder who did not wish to be identified, said: "Eccles is a Market Town, there has been a market here since Saxon times, to not have a market space is ridiculous, it seems these 'Bold' plans don't include us." Salford City Council bought the 200,000 sq ft Eccles Shopping Centre from Columbia Threadneedle for £4.15 million, as part of plans to completely redevelop Church Street and the Town Centre, following a consultation with over 600 local residents who replied to an online survey. Artist Impression Of The New Eccles Town Centre The council received a boost to its plans to redevelop Eccles town centre, with £5.4million funding contribution via the Capital Regeneration Projects initiative announced in the spring 2023 budget by the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. Speaking at the time, Salford Mayor Paul Dennett, said: “It’s time to accept some hard truths, that the centre as it stands now isn’t working for the town or the community,” “It’s now time to show Eccles the love and support it badly needs.” Video: Interview With Eccles Councillors On The Regeneration Of The Market Town A spokesperson for Salford Council, said: “Staff from Salford City Council have recently met with affected traders from Eccles market and businesses in the area to inform them of the next phase of work to deliver the much-needed new vision for the town centre. "This will include a proposed phased demolition of the shopping centre, starting with the north west area of the shopping centre, market hall and car park. "All traders and business affected by the initial phase identified for demolition will continue to trade over Christmas, and will be offered advice on relocation or winding down options. "We know that big changes and a bold vision for the future are desperately needed in Eccles and that is what we are looking to deliver. "We’re continuing with the plan we outlined, following the public consultation last year and the purchase of the shopping centre in January. "We know there will unfortunately be some local traders affected by this, but right now, the town centre just doesn’t meet the needs of the local community. "It’s time to start writing the next chapter in the town’s history, put a halt to the decline and begin to put in place the work that will enable Eccles to have a much brighter future.” Petition Link: https://www.change.org/p/halt-the-demolition-of-our-beloved-eccles-indoor-market
