The site is needed for a new é25m school, to be linked to the planned Media City at Salford Quays.
But the future is brighter for another of the city's landmarks after it has stood empty for 15 years.
The Brown Brothers building, which dates back to 1876, stands at the gateway to Manchester city centre in the heart of Salford's Chapel Street regeneration area. It had been expected that the building would play a key role in the renaissance of Chapel Street and the A6 corridor.
Meanwhile, the United Reformed Church is negotiating a long lease with the Oasis Trust, a Christian foundation chosen by Salford city council bosses to run the school.
It would be the city's second academy.
It would be a replacement for Hope High School and specialise in media and business and enterprise studies.
Steve Chalke, of Oasis, said: "We have negotiated with the church and they have given us a long lease on the land, which will give us use of it for the school. But in return, something will be provided within the school buildings for a place of worship for the church."
Peter Brain, Moderator of the North West Synod of the United Reformed Church, said: "My personal view is that I can't see how the existing church can remain. It is not listed and internally is in a poor decorative condition."
But Leslie Holmes, a community artist, who has a studio in the building, said: "Another Salford landmark will be wiped out. I think consideration should be given for retaining some of it - maybe the frontage."
The Brown Brothers building, however, was put back on the market in June last year for é1.5m.
With outline planning permission for mixed use - residential and business - it has now been snapped up by Artisan UK Plc, which has interests in residential development and business parks.
No detailed plans have yet been submitted to the city council however.
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