There are plans to convert a grade II building in Eccles into new homes. Monks Hall, on Wellington Road in Eccles, could be partially demolished under a scheme to build a mix of houses and apartments on the historic site. This includes a ‘carefully planned and sensitive restoration, renovation, and adaptive reuse of the existing building.’ Historical documents suggest Monks Hall dates as far back as 1234 AD, although the current building is not this old. Four original buildings are thought to have been built on the site before 1500, and the existing building is a structure from the 17th century, with adaptations and extensions having taken place up until the early 20th century. Monks Hall is currently empty and a planning report states that the two original buildings have suffered ‘substantial damage’ over the past ten years due to break-ins and arson attacks. It adds: ‘The buildings on site are now structurally unsafe, visually unattractive and harmful to the amenity and appearance of the local area.’ The planning application proposes developing the site for a mix of homes, including a local heritage property. This is made up of three townhouses, four semi-detached houses, one detached home, and 10 apartments. None of the proposed new homes are expected to be designated as affordable. In 2016 a fire caused ‘major damage’ to Monks Hall, causing the roof to collapse according to reports. The damaged site is now considered to be ‘irreparable.’ From 1961 the building was used as Monks Hall Museum, but by 1997 it had been converted into a restaurant. It has been left empty since around 2005. The planning application is under consultation at Salford council, with a target decision date of May 10, 2024.
