The ‘ugly’ problem which some fear is holding back a Greater Manchester town
It’s been a problem without an answer for years.
Swinton’s Lancastrian Hall and Central Library is a landmark building in the town, based next to Swinton Square shopping centre and over the road from Salford council’s offices.
It’s been mostly empty since 2012, and in 2015 it lost its last public use when the library relocated to Swinton Gateway.
But since then uncertainty has surrounded the future of Lancastrian Hall. Councillor Bill Hinds said the view of local people is clear: they want it gone as part of a wider redevelopment of the town.
“It really needs doing [demolishing] and people want it down,” Coun Hinds told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
“It’s all about developing the precinct, but it comes with a cost.
“It’s been going on for about 14 years now, it’s just something that we need to do something about, we’re hamstrung and we’re not going to move forward until it does.”
The same calls were made by another Salford councillor last year, Robin Garrido, who described Lancastrian Hall as a ‘monstrosity’ and urged the council to bring forward plans for its demolition.
A petition was launched in 2021 calling for changes in Swinton, which more than 1,200 people signed.
It stated: ‘It [Lancastrian Hall] is a ridiculously ugly building that is preventing the much needed improvement and investment in Swinton.
‘We have a vision of Swinton front with lovely restaurants, cafes and deli’s. It would be a wonderful place to spend time with great views of the town hall and St Peters Church.
‘We want to make Swinton great again and it starts with the Lancastrian Hall being taken down.’
So what’s happening with Lancastrian Hall and Central Library in Swinton and what does its future hold?
Salford council said there are no immediate plans for the building, but added that a vision for the future is in the works.
A council spokesperson said: “Swinton has many strengths, but like other towns, it needs investment and regeneration to deliver its potential. Salford’s town centres are important to the city’s future, and the council identified Eccles and Swinton as priority areas for regeneration.
“While there are no immediate plans for The Lancastrian Hall, plans for Swinton are set to move forward after regeneration work in Eccles and future decisions regarding the building will be guided by a comprehensive plan for the area developed in partnership with the community.”