£41 million Pride in Place boost for Tameside

Ashton-under-Lyne is set to receive almost £20 million through the Government’s Pride in Place Programme to continue the towns revitalisation.

A further £20 million is also on the horizon for Hattersley and £1.5 million is also being allocated for borough-wide projects which will support further regeneration plans across Tameside’s towns.

The Pride in Place Programme is a major initiative to create safer, healthier, and thriving communities across the UK.

For Ashton, a Neighbourhood Board has been established chaired by Phill Brown MBE – a former Ashton business owner for 25 years and includes representatives from the police, local ward members, education providers, local businesses and the MP.  With transformational plans already underway in Ashton the new funding will continue this momentum of investment over a 10-year period and supported by a 4-year Investment Strategy to help improve community spaces and create more opportunities for local people. The Plan has been informed by feedback from key local stakeholders and community groups.

The goal is to make Ashton ‘a proud, inclusive, and connected town with safer streets, better public spaces, and more chances for skills and jobs.’

Local voices will shape every step of the plan through the Ashton Neighbourhood Board, which has been established ensuring the investment reflects what matters most to local communities focusing on the vision: “To create a place where everyone feels at home, empowered to grow, and truly valued.”

The vision isn’t just words; it’s about making real changes in Ashton so it’s a town everyone who lives there can be proud of with:

• Safer streets and public spaces – better lighting, cleaner areas, and more places to enjoy
• A vibrant town centre –shops, events, and spaces that bring people together
• More opportunities for jobs and skills – training programmes and support for local businesses
• Celebrating Ashton’s heritage – restoring historic areas and creating spaces that reflect our identity
• Greener, better-connected town – improved parks, walking routes, and transport links

Engagement on these plans is already underway with over forty local organisations already having shared ideas. This has generated 190 project proposals so far and engaging with residents, businesses, and stakeholders will continue throughout the programme to make sure the investment reflects priorities.

Following acceptance of the funding, the Ashton Neighbourhood Board will refine the Regeneration and Investment Plans for Government approval. Work is set to start in 2026, but community engagement is already very much underway.

Councillor Andrew McLaren, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Growth, Housing and Homelessness, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to continue to transform Ashton-under-Lyne. By working together with local people, we will create a town that is vibrant, inclusive, and full of opportunity. The additional funding for other areas will also really help bring plans to life and there is much more to come.”

Phill Brown MBE, Chair of the Ashton Neighbourhood Board said: “This funding gives us the chance to make Ashton a town where everyone feels proud to live. We’ll continue to work closely with the local community to make sure their voices are heard and shape every decision.”

More about the plans for Hattersley and other areas across the borough are being explored so watch this space to find out more.