Asda’s plan to revamp Swinton approved

SALFORD City Council has approved plans to demolish part of Swinton Shopping Centre and replace it with a new 72,000 sq ft Asda with a 340-space car park underneath.

The application was brought forward by GVA, which is acting as asset managers for the new scheme after being appointed as LPA receivers to the centre by lender West Bromwich Building Society.

It said the new foodstore would serve as a catalyst for a wider regeneration of Swinton with the creation of a new piazza, public areas and enhanced retail units. The work also involves building over the graveyard of a former Unitarian church.

GVA irector Layne Mercer said: “After years of neglect by the previous owners, we are delighted with the news and are committed to improving the centre for the benefit of the local community as a whole.  

“Importantly, the scheme will generate around 250 new job opportunities for local people adding further to the regeneration impact.”

“We are now at the implementation stage and hope to start on site very shortly. This will make a real difference to the town centre retail offer.”

The application was heard at the same committee meeting as an application by Morrisons to extend its adjacent store by 12,000 sq ft.

The Morrisons extension was also approved.