Salford City Council has approved Derwent Estates’ £15 million plan to transform Walkden Town Centre. The project, undertaken on behalf of the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation, includes the demolition of 180,000 square feet of disused retail space and the refurbishment of 80,000 square feet of existing retail area.

Derwent Estates’ scheme involves the removal of large sections of Egerton Walk and Victoria Square, both of which have experienced high vacancy rates. The demolition will pave the way for modern commercial units and a landscaped public area, aimed at enhancing the centre’s appeal and functionality.

A planning statement by Savills highlighted the potential for future redevelopment of the plots created by the demolition. “Those future development plots will be landscaped areas that will host meanwhile uses in the interim period before development progresses on those plots, further supporting the centre’s vitality and viability,” the statement noted.

The project also includes a new façade for Walkden Town Centre and improved public spaces. With approval secured, Derwent Estates is now seeking a contractor to begin demolition work later this year.

Scott Hall, asset manager at Derwent Estates, emphasised the project’s importance to the local community and acknowledged the evolving expectations of stakeholders.

Savills provided planning advice, RGP is the architect, and Artal is managing the project. Barker Proudlove and Graham Sibbald are the retained letting agents.