In July 2024 Henley Investment Management submitted a planning application to demolish affordable shops at Regent Retail Park to build the tallest tower outside of London.  In response local residents set up the Save Regent Retail Park Campaign (SRRPC) to fight Henley’s plans. Hundreds of residents have submitted objections to Salford Council and thousands have signed the petitions.

In July 2025 SRRPC argued at a Salford City Council’s planning meeting that Henley’s plans would be detrimental and did not provide the investment and regeneration Ordsall needed. The planning committee agreed to defer the application until more information was provided.  Henley have resubmitted their application to the planning meeting to be held on Thursday 6th November.  

SRRPC held a public meeting at St Clements Church on Saturday 1st November to discuss with residents Henley’s latest plans. Residents highlighted significant outstanding concerns with Henley’s plans and why the planning application should not be approved including:-

• Lack of detail or guarantees for truly affordable social rent housing.
• Insufficient parking spaces and an inadequate local parking permit scheme.
• Lack of comprehensive assessments for health services, schools, and transport infrastructure impacts for the wider Ordsall area.
• Loss of local jobs and affordable shops during the construction period in an area with high levels of deprivation.
• The tall towers are out of character for the area and will overshadow low lying residential and historic areas.
• Henley’s lack of engagement with local residents and low trust in their promises.

Local Councillor, Brendan Keville, said, “The resident campaign has pressured Henley into making some changes to their plans but this does not address the major outstanding concerns resident’s have and is why the application should not be approved at the planning meeting and Henley should reengage with residents to address their concerns. A key issue is the low trust for Henleys promises, all we get is their PR machine responses. We have been trying for months to arrange for Henley to listen and respond to residents’ concerns directly.  We invited them to the recent public meeting but they said there was not enough time.” 

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Local MP, Rebecca Long-Bailey, said, “Henley’s plans will have a major impact for the area and residents tell us they are still deeply concerned about a wide range of issues that remain unaddressed. It has been over two years since Henley last consulted residents directly.  In the spirit of co-operation and implementing regeneration that truly benefits the community, I would urge Henley to now build trust with residents, withdraw their application, outline any recent changes they are planning to make and ultimately, to reconsult with residents to address concerns.”

SRRPC asks the developer, Henley, in the spirit of cooperation that they must withdraw their current proposals, listen to and address the needs and concerns of the community and work with the people of Ordsall.  

The campaign group will continue campaigning to ensure Henley listen and respond to the concerns of the local community.

—ENDS—

Notes for Editors:-

• Save Regent Retail Park Campaign is a local community group of residents formed to retain an essential local shopping centre which meets the needs of the local community. The campaign group supports a people-focused approach to urban regeneration which listens and responds to the needs of the whole community.
• Save Regent Retail Park Campaign community objection report available at https://saveregentretailpark.wixsite.com/info