A piece of history that could have been lost forever

Ashton town hall may have been demolished, now it's in line to reopen by 2030.

A piece of history in the heart of Ashton could have been bulldozed, it has emerged. 

Instead, Ashton Town Hall is set for a huge transformation by 2030. Council bosses have voted to put plans for a makeover out for public consultation.

A spruced-up council chamber and function room; community spaces; commercial space for a wine bar, coffee shop and restaurant; office plots; and a possible extension are on the cards.

The Grade-II listed building, built in 1840, was vacated in 2015 and has fallen to into a state of disrepair.

Bosses want to make it a ‘lively and vibrant building again, helping improve Ashton town centre and supporting local pride in the area’s history’. That wasn’t always the case. 

A meeting the council’s cabinet revealed there were proposals to demolish the building under previous leaders. 

Councillor Andrew McLaren said: “While other leadership previously wanted to demolish it, we are not proposing to do that.”

It is understood demolition was considered, but no official plans were made public.

Council leader Eleanor Wills added: “It’s clear we’re committed to bringing the building back to life. Ashton Town Hall is our anchor in the town centre and we want residents to engage in that.

“It’s an historic building people have an emotional attachment to it. We want all of Tameside to have their view on what that building should be for them.

“Previous leadership in Tameside had no intention of breathing new life into that building, but this leadership does. This is a stepping stone for regeneration.”

The cabinet approved the spending of £1m to prepare a planning application and carry out surveys and technical work needed before construction can begin. The whole project is expected to cost around £25m. 

Bosses plans to look for extra funding once listed building consent is approved. If planning permission is granted, work could start in March 2028 and finish in 2030.

The interior of Ashton Town Hall. Credit: Tameside council