Help shape the future of Ashton Town Hall

Everyone is invited to a drop‑in event to look at the early design ideas for bringing Ashton Town Hall back into use.

The session will take place on Tuesday 24 March from 2–6pm at Ashton Library.

Ashton Town Hall is a historic Grade II listed building in the centre of Ashton‑under‑Lyne. It has been closed since 2015, but work funded through the Levelling Up Fund has already repaired the outside of the building, and the main steps will be finished by Summer 2025.

Now, the next stage of the project is underway, and new design ideas show how the Town Hall could reopen by 2030. These ideas include:

• A brand‑new entrance with better access for everyone which includes new passenger lifts and staircase.
• Restored historic rooms, including the ballroom and Council Chamber
• New spaces like a café, restaurant, and a new home for the Museum of the Manchester Regiment
• Areas for community, cultural and civic events

Tameside Council is proposing up to £1m for planning and technical work needed before full construction. The whole project is expected to cost around £25 million, meaning the council will need to seek further external funding to complete the project. Building work could start in 2028 if plans are approved.

Event details

• Date: Tuesday 24 March
• Time: 2pm – 6pm (drop‑in any time)
• Location: Ashton Library, Tameside One
• Open to: All residents, families, young people, community groups, and local businesses

At the drop‑in, you can:

• See the first design ideas
• Talk to the project team
• Share your ideas and thoughts on the proposed layouts and uses for the future.

Everyone is welcome and no booking is needed.

Councillor Eleanor Wills, Leader of Tameside Council said: “Ashton Town Hall is one of our most treasured buildings, and this is an exciting moment in its story. We want local people to help shape its future. These early designs show how the Town Hall could once again become a proud, welcoming space for everyone and your ideas will help us get it right. I hope as many people as possible will come along, share their views, and be part of bringing this landmark back to life.”

The plans will be available online following the event anyone to view, feedback can be sent to the team via email at ashton.publicrealm@tameside.gov.uk and more information can be found at www.tameside.gov.uk/ashtontownhall