Charges to be Cut at Two Ashton Town Centre Car Parks

PRICES are to be reduced at two of Ashton’s main car parks to encourage people to keep coming into the town centre while the market is redeveloped.

The changes apply to Old Cross Street and Union Street. At Old Cross Street, the one, two and three-hour tariffs will be replaced by a straight charge of £1 for three hours. At Union Street, parking will be free on Saturdays and Sundays.

Senior councillors agreed to the revision at the recent meeting of the authority’s executive cabinet. It will come into effect on Thursday 12 September.

Cllr Denise Ward, Tameside Council’s executive member for environmental services, said: “As an authority, we want conditions to remain as normal as possible for traders while the important regeneration work takes place around Ashton Market.

“That includes making sure people are not put off by temporary disruptions. We believe these new charges will do a great deal to attract visitors, and when they come in they will see it’s business as usual as we create a new and better town centre.

“Our revised charging scheme will provide plenty of competitively priced parking spaces for people who want to visit Ashton for a few hours to shop, use a business or enjoy the hospitality sector.”

The comprehensive redevelopment will transform Ashton Market into a vibrant, multi-use area. Key design features include a large canopy to create a versatile civic space for markets and cultural events.

Work, which is expected to last a year, is set to begin imminently. The market hall will remain open as normal but the outdoor market will move to Fletcher Square where it will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The Sunday tabletop market moves to Old Cross Street.

New kiosks, which are under construction, will feature a variety of food and drink options, encouraging visitors to enjoy the square throughout the day and into the evening.

The welcoming atmosphere will be further enhanced by high-quality seating, planting and paving, plus green spaces and enhanced lighting.