Building site town centre starting to take shape

Ashton town centre has been a building site in recent months, but now a huge redevelopment project is finally starting to take shape.

At the beginning of the year the fixed market stalls were bulldozed by Tameside council, with Market Square resembling a building site. Now the local authority has taken the next step towards replacing the old market setup as steel posts for the new canopy are now being installed.

The fenced-off building site used to house 104 fixed market stalls and eight kiosks.

This latest development marks an exciting step in the town centre’s £14.6m improvement project, funded by the government’s Levelling Up Fund. The canopy will provide shelter for market traders and visitors and become a hub for events and cultural activities, helping to make the space more welcoming all year round. 

The plans have been designed using feedback and views from traders, residents, and stakeholders. A number of traders have already signed up for the new kiosks which will also arrive on site in the coming weeks, according to Tameside council.

Once the posts are up, the roof beams and timber supports will follow, creating a strong and attractive cover for traders and landmark structure for Ashton. Eagle-eyed locals will have noticed other key features of the scheme have started to appear including the fan shaped paving, foundations for the rain gardens, and steps leading to what will be the new canopy space.

Coun Andrew McLaren, deputy leader and executive cabinet member for growth, housing and homelessness at Tameside Council, said “This is a key moment in the regeneration of Ashton Market Square, which will be the beating heart of the town; a modern market and public space enlivened by events, café culture and a vibrant evening economy. 

“This is a very high-quality scheme in terms of both the design and the materials used and will future proof Ashton as a destination for visitors for the next generation.”

Just next to the square, the market hall will get some titivation and creative spaces as well as additional food and drink offers. According to town hall chiefs, they want to be on the ‘front foot’ to meet the changing demands of locals following a steady decline in retail options.

This scheme forms part of a wider redevelopment strategy in the town, which will also see the town hall undergo refurbishment work and the old bus station plot brought back to life.

Market Square in Ashton, Tameside. Pictured on October 29, 2025. Credit: LDRS