Proposals for Ashton market square given go ahead to move forward

Plans for the first phase in the redevelopment of Ashton’s Market Square and public realm have been given the go ahead to move forward to detailed design by Tameside Council Executive Cabinet, on 29 March. Utilising £11.2m of the £19.87m Levelling Up Fund awarded by Government the plans aim to revitalise the market square and provide a high quality, flexible and modern space which will be suitable for a range of different uses. The existing outdoor kiosk and stall structures will be replaced with a large canopy which will provide an adaptable space with re-orientated market units for traders, creating an inviting place for the local community and visitors to socialise, with increased outdoor seating, tables and planting.

This follows the public consultation carried out during November and December 2022, and builds on the findings from the Love Ashton event in March last year, which invited the local community as well as a range of stakeholders from traders to local businesses and partners to give feedback. The learning and information has been invaluable in helping to shape the proposed plans into a vision that meets the needs of a modern market square.

A spokesperson for Tameside Council said “The changes to the Market Square and public realm using Levelling Up monies are essential to unlock Ashton’s potential for regeneration. We’ve taken everyone’s feedback into account to help shape the town centre into a place that meets the needs of current and future generations and help make it a place to be proud of, where people want to live, work and spend time.” 

The next stage in the plans will include further engagement with market traders on the impacts of the proposals on their business, drawing up detailed designs, undertake demolition and survey work before submitting the plans for planning approval at the end of this year.

Find out the latest information on the plans at www.levellingupashton.co.uk