Installation of new canopy underway at Ashton Market Square

Work is moving forward at Ashton Market Square as steel posts for the new canopy are now being installed by The Casey Group Ltd on behalf of Tameside Council.

This marks an exciting step in the town centre’s improvement project, funded by the government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The canopy will provide shelter for market traders and visitors, helping to make the space more welcoming all year round. The plans have been designed using feedback and views from traders, residents, and stakeholders. A number of traders have already signed up for the new kiosks which will also arrive on site in the coming weeks.

The steel posts form the main structure of the canopy and are being carefully put in place in stages. The process of installing them will take contractors Casey approximately three weeks to install. To date significant work has been carried out to prepare the foundations and reinforced with concrete pilings to allow for the steel structures to be placed.

Once the posts are up, the roof beams and timber supports will follow, creating a strong and attractive cover for traders and landmark structure for Ashton.

Keen observers will have started to notice other key features of the scheme have started to appear including the fan shaped paving, foundations for the rain gardens, and steps leading to what will be the new canopy space.

Councillor Andrew McLaren Deputy Leader and Executive Cabinet Member for Growth, Housing and Homelessness at Tameside Council, said “This is a key moment in the regeneration of Ashton Market Square, which will be the beating heart of the town; a modern market and public space enlivened by events, café culture and a vibrant evening economy. This is a very high-quality scheme in terms of both the design and the materials used and will future proof Ashton as a destination for visitors for the next generation.”

For updates on the Ashton Market Square improvements, visit www.tameside.gov.uk/ashtontowncentre or to contact the Markets Team to request information on a kiosk contact markets@tameside.gov.uk.