Successful plans for Ashton lead to further funding being sought

Following planning approval of Ashton’s outdoor Market Square plans, the Council will now look to attract further investment to support a second phase of works to the public realm across the wider town centre.

The first phase of the plans for Ashton town centre focus on the redevelopment of the Market Square and some of the surrounding public realm. The impressive new canopy will provide a designated undercover area for markets and include flexible, durable market stalls and kiosks with seating opening up the space for events and activities to encourage uses that support the evening economy. The plans underway have only been made possible by the £20m Levelling Up Fund specifically awarded for Ashton which has been critical to help kick start the towns regeneration.

As with the first phase of works to the Market Square, Tameside’s Executive Cabinet have agreed to seek further investment or funding to support work across the wider town centre to boost the exciting plans already underway.

The second phase of the public realm strategy for Ashton includes a vision and design principles for longer term proposals to regenerate the wider town centre including Stamford Street Central, Old Street, and St. Michael’s Square. The strategy incorporates the existing approved scheme for Wellington Road and extends it to Katherine Street, Penny Meadows, and Oldham Road. It will integrate the public realm strategy across the town centre and into the Future St Petersfield masterplan area providing a cohesive approach and better connection across Ashton.

Councillor Vimal Choksi, Executive Member (Towns and Communities) said: “We want the redeveloped Market Square to act as a catalyst for regenerating other areas in the town centre, some of which are identified in the Phase Two Strategy. It will help attract a broader demographic of visitors, improving the local offer, and instil a sense of pride in the town centre.”

“In order to realise all our plans, we need to look to source further funding to help us achieve our vision for the town centre.”

For more information on the plans go to www.levellingupashton.co.uk