Ashton set for major regeneration boost

Ashton-under-Lyne is set to benefit from almost £20 million of new investment as part of the Government’s Pride in Place programme, funding aimed at creating safer, healthier and more prosperous communities across the UK.

The town is one of several areas across Tameside to receive support, with a further £20 million earmarked for Hattersley and an additional £1.5 million allocated for borough-wide projects designed to drive regeneration across all local towns.

A newly established Ashton Neighbourhood Board, chaired by Phill Brown MBE, a former business owner of 25 years, will oversee how the funding is used. The board includes local police representatives, councillors, education providers, businesses and the area’s MP, ensuring a range of perspectives feed into the developing plans.

With Ashton already undergoing transformation through ongoing regeneration schemes, this latest round of funding aims to maintain momentum over the next decade. A four-year Investment Strategy will guide early priorities, with community spaces and opportunities for local people at the heart of the programme.

The overarching ambition is clear: to create “a proud, inclusive, and connected town with safer streets, better public spaces, and more chances for skills and jobs.”

Local voices are expected to play a major role. The Ashton Neighbourhood Board has been designed to ensure that decisions reflect the needs and priorities of residents. Feedback collected to date, from more than 40 organisations, has already generated around 190 project proposals.

Engagement with residents, businesses and stakeholders will continue throughout the life of the programme. Following the formal acceptance of the funding, the Board will refine its Regeneration and Investment Plans for Government approval. While work is expected to begin on the ground in 2026, conversations with the community are already well underway.

The vision for Ashton includes several key themes:

• Safer streets and public spaces through better lighting, cleaner environments and improved community areas
• A more vibrant town centre, with shops, events and shared spaces designed to bring people together
• More access to skills and jobs, including training opportunities and business support
• Celebration of Ashton’s heritage, with investment to restore historic sites and reflect local identity
• Greener, better-connected neighbourhoods, focusing on parks, walking routes and improved transport links

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, added: “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.”

Details about the regeneration plans for Hattersley and the borough-wide projects are expected to emerge in the coming months.