New HMO plans for former pub with ‘happy memories’ dividing opinions in Salford

Locals clashed over the new plans.17:28, 14 Aug 2026Plans to turn a former boozer into a 19-bed HMO has divided opinions in Salford. The Bridgewater in Eccles could soon be transformed into a shared home for ‘working professionals’ by Leeds-based developer Mr Timothy Witt.‌The plans for the Liverpool Road property involve converting the ground floor into seven bedrooms and the second floor into 12 further bedrooms, all with their own bathrooms. There would be one large shared kitchen, dining and living area on the ground floor, and two further kitchen/dining areas spread across both floors.‌Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter‌The scheme sparked passionate debate online, with some mourning the loss of a pub with ‘many happy memories’ and othe