Longstanding trader to launch Ashton’s transformed market square

A long-standing and much-loved Ashton trader is set to lead the town's newly transformed market square into an exciting new era.

Alf Sargeant of Alf's Shoe Repairs and Keys, who has served customers in Ashton-under-Lyne for the past 37 years, will cut the ribbon to officially open the redeveloped Ashton Market Square on Saturday 14 November as part of the town's festive celebrations.

The launch event will feature a Christmas Market, festive funfair, live entertainment, the spectacular Tameside Northern lights Lantern Parade and Christmas lights switch on, marking the completion of one of the biggest investments in Ashton town centre in recent years.

The market square - one of the largest in the region - has undergone a Government-funded multi-million pound transformation.

The redevelopment is designed to secure the future of Ashton Market by creating a more attractive, accessible and versatile destination that supports local traders, attracts visitors and provides a vibrant space for cultural and community events throughout the year.

Alf's Shoe Repairs will be among a mix of established Ashton traders and new independent businesses taking up the contemporary new kiosks in the square, offering everything from fresh produce and street food to gifts and everyday services.

The redevelopment also allows for a wider variety of traditional and specialist markets, including the return of a general market alongside popular events such as the monthly Ashton Artisan Market, Super Saturday family activities and seasonal celebrations.

Residents, families, shoppers and visitors are invited to join the opening celebrations from 11am to 8pm and be among the first to explore the transformed square and its new kiosks while supporting local traders.

Tameside Council Executive Leader Cllr Eleanor Wills said: “This is an exciting, much-anticipated milestone for Ashton and it is wonderful and very fitting that our fantastic local traders – including Alf – are helping us to celebrate the heritage of our much loved market while opening the door to this flourishing new era for the town.

“We’ve built on the town’s strong market tradition while creating a flexible and welcoming space that works better for residents, businesses, visitors and shoppers today – bringing people into the town and giving them multiple reasons to want to visit and spend time here.

“This is something built to last and take us into the future with lots of opportunities for residents, visitors and businesses.

“Thank you to everyone who has worked with us to realise this vision and thank you to everyone who supports their local town centres.”

Alf said: “This is a really positive time for Ashton and local traders. I’m excited to be back trading in the market square and to carry on serving customers, old and new. It’s the people that make this town and we can all now feel positive about its future.

“I also want to thank the markets team and engineers for supporting traders through the project.”

The next phase of works, which will follow the market launch and lantern parade event, will include contractors coming back on site to complete paving between the canopy space and the market hall as well as final finishing touches to the canopy, installation of new benches and planting more trees. The new kiosks and market square will continue to be fully operational for this.
 
This second phase will also include the continuation of renovation works to Ashton Town Hall steps and the start of improvements to Fletcher Square, Market Street and Bow Street including new paving, lighting, planting and street furniture to create further welcoming public spaces for shoppers and visitors.