A long-empty retail unit in Broughton Park looks set to be brought back into use as an educational and community facility for Salford’s Orthodox Jewish community.

Planning officers at Salford City Council have recommended approval for proposals to convert the former B&M Bargains store at Bevendon Square into a Yeshiva. The scheme has been put forward by Ohr Torah, which intends to create a school focused on the study of religious texts such as the Torah.

The building has stood vacant for around a decade and would replace the former Yeshivah Ohr Torah School on Broom Lane, which closed in 2022 following an ‘inadequate’ rating from Ofsted.

Plans submitted earlier this year would supersede a similar scheme approved for the site in 2020, which has since lapsed. The revised proposal removes a previously planned new-build extension to the east of the site, instead delivering all facilities within the existing structure.

If approved, the development could accommodate around 120 students. Proposed facilities include teaching and seminar rooms, prayer and assembly areas, dining space, staff offices, welfare accommodation, and storage.

Planning consultancy Debtal Architecture is advising on the application.

The scheme can be viewed on the council’s planning portal using reference PA/2026/0234.