Droylsden’s Concord Suite to be torn down

After dominating the Droylsden skyline for half a century, the Concord Suite is being partially torn down.

The iconic building, in the heart of the Tameside town, was built in the early 1970s and served as a base for the now defunct Droylsden Council. It was also a venue for weddings, community events and dances in its heyday. Now it sits empty and lifeless.

Tameside council has lodged a planning application to partially demolish the Concord Suite as part of plans to bring new life to the site and support the wider regeneration of the town centre.

The proposed works would demolish the upper parts of the building, including the former function room and dance hall, while retaining the lower levels and securing the remaining structure. The lower levels have been earmarked for redevelopment for housing, retail and leisure.

This is the latest step in the progression of the Droylsden Masterplan. The local authority says this project will create new opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors while strengthening the town centre for future generations.

Coun Andrew McLaren, executive member, growth, housing and homelessness said: “Residents and businesses told us they wanted to see progress on the Concord Suite and a clear plan for its future. This application signals real progress and demonstrates our commitment to turning long-held ambitions into action. 

“We want to see this site once again playing an important role at the heart of Droylsden, creating a better, greener, and more vibrant town centre for everyone and helping attract further investment into the town centre.

“This application is an important milestone, but it is also only one part of a much bigger programme of regeneration across Tameside. We will continue working with partners, investors and funding bodies to help unlock the future potential of this site and deliver the wider vision for Droylsden town centre.”

Droylsden is the only Tameside town on the inside of the M60, meaning it is the closest geographically to Manchester. With key infrastructure such as Metrolink already operational, there is belief among planners that it can undergo ‘transformational change’ and become a go-to spot for locals and punters from further afield.

Other aspects of the masterplan include a revamp of the public squares; better links between old and new housing developments to the town centre; and a canal park, which would connect the main central hub to Droylsden Marina.