Residents, councillors, and an MP in Salford have demanded that proposals to erect one of the UK’s highest towers atop a retail park be blocked.
Henley Investment Management (HIM) has designated Regent Retail Park for a £1 billion revitalization proposal that would result in 3,300 new dwellings scattered across ten new tower blocks, the largest of which might reach 273 metres in height.
However, the idea has received criticism from the community, with thousands signing petitions opposing the proposals, citing concerns about the loss of local businesses.
Salford MP Rebecca Long-Bailey stated that the change would be a “clear detriment” to the community.
Speaking at a public hearing at St Clements Church Hall on January 25, she criticized the proposal for a lack of affordable homes and the potential to exacerbate “the street parking nightmare” that local people already experience.
“We need more amenities and social infrastructure – instead it will demolish a busy retail park which plays a vital role in the local economy, offering employment to a significant number of people and providing essential services to the community,” she told reporters.
“Sadly it is clear that this development as it stands is not what the local area desperately needs and I am right behind local residents and councillors in objecting to it.”
Brendan Keville, an Ordsall councillor, has also questioned the plans.
He stated that the retail park is “packed every day serving tens of thousands of shoppers” and that “10 years of construction” will create significant inconvenience to residents.
For its part, the developer stated that all existing retail tenants at the site have been invited back to the new building, and that affordable housing will be included.
While the project is in its early stages, it fits into Salford Council’s long-term development plan for the city.
By 2042, the council aims to create 9,000 dwellings in the Ordsall, Quays, Pendleton, and Charlestown areas, including plans to’redevelop Regent Road local center’ with additional greenspace, shops, services, and ‘high density housing.’
HIM stated that it is aware of the concerns and is working with the municipality and community to strike the appropriate balance with the proposal.
At this point, it is still a ‘outline’ application for the proposal’s broad premise, with many details to be resolved later, subject to council approval.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, HIM is working with Salford council to determine the amount of affordable housing units that could be included in the program, taking into account prior developments in the city where up to 20% of the total number of dwellings were priced below market rates.
A spokeswoman for the company stated, “Regent Park is a once-in-a-lifetime regeneration scheme that has the potential to transform the future of Ordsall, Salford, and beyond.”
“It represents a billion-pound investment in the future of the local core, resulting in a diverse, lively, and exciting new community for all to enjoy.
“Regent Park local centre, centered around a 3.5-acre park, will provide shops, services, health and leisure facilities, dedicated community space, and a mix of sustainable, high-density new homes.”
“We are thrilled to have invited all existing retail tenants back to the site as part of the proposals, and we are in talks with a number of present occupants who wish to return.
“Henley is collaborating with the local authority to build a variety of residential kinds, including affordable dwellings, on the property, providing much-needed housing for all. We look forward to collaborating with Salford Council and local stakeholders as we move into detailed design and bring Salford’s new local core to life.”
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