Take off for Ashton Mayoral Development Zone

This week saw the first meeting of Ashton Mayoral Development Zone (AMDZ) which will help create jobs, homes, and improve spaces helping to make Ashton a better place to live.

Work is already underway on the regeneration of the town centre, and the designation of the zone will help boost the investment already being made and unlock more exciting possibilities for the town. The focus of the zone is around three principal opportunities: Ashton Moss, St Petersfield, and Ashton town centre as well as areas across both the Eastern Growth Cluster and Tameside.

Using a partnership approach will strengthen the possibilities and opportunities for joining together supply chains, networks and businesses that can look to support and boost Tameside’s Inclusive Growth.

The first role of the board going forward which includes Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Cllr Gerald Cooney, Tameside Council’s Executive Leader will be to approve the draft investment prospectus which highlights the towns development progress to date. The key document will set the vision for capitalising on the area’s assets including its key location and digital tech scene.

The board will be looking to maximise the opportunities for joint working and build on the investment already on the ground by the Council, Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC), GMCA and Homes England. There are strong themes around transport and job creation and employment which will bring together plans for the three key areas relating employment, residential and other commercial uses.

Councillor Jack Naylor, Executive Member for Inclusive Growth, Business and Employment said, “It is really exciting to launch the Ashton Mayoral Development Zone Board which will play a vital role in fulfilling our ambition for the Ashton Growth Corridor becoming the economic growth engine for the east of the City Region and beyond. The AMDZ will raise the profile of the significant work already underway in Ashton and will showcase the attractive development opportunities within the zone to unlock investment and future funding opportunities. Tameside is crucial to the future economic development of Greater Manchester, and we look forward to working with Mayor Burnham and our partners to deliver the full potential that is on offer.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “By working together, we can help Ashton reach its true potential, breathing new life and regenerating the town by building on its strengths. The Bee Network, with its expanded reach connecting Ashton to other Greater Manchester boroughs, will elevate connectivity. The redevelopment in Ashton town centre and plans for St Petersfield will generate the footfall and businesses needed to reinvigorate the area. Our aim is to ensure we get the best possible outcomes for Ashton and Tameside, resulting in investments that will help improve prosperity for the generations to come. The benefits will reach across the borough, creating a model for other towns in Tameside and Greater Manchester.”

Find out more about the plans at www.tameside.gov.uk/AMDZ