Huge town centre redevelopment takes step forward

The regeneration of Ashton could see thousands more homes and the region’s first fully-integrated Bee Network station – connecting Metrolink, bus and train services –  in the town centre. 

Tameside council is looking for a development partner to start work in the coming months on the major redevelopment project.

The project could see up to 2,400 new homes built; 12.5 hectares of commercial space created to support businesses and jobs; and Greater Manchester’s first full connected Bee Network station introduced.  

The town hall wants to make Ashton a ‘vibrant’ and ‘modern’ town. Council bosses hope to appoint a developer by spring 2026. 

The latest version of the Ashton masterplan builds on the ongoing transformation of Market Square and development of St Petersfield as part of the Ashton Mayoral Development (AMDZ).

The plan, approved by town hall bosses, would see the Arcades and Ladysmith shopping centres reconfigured to ‘better suit the needs of locals’.

The vacant space where the old bus station once stood would become home to a new public realm with an improved link to the train station.

Filling the space left by the old station would be 466 new homes and 5,710 sqm of ‘active ground floor space’ – connecting the town centre to its transport hubs.

The key goals of the masterplan are to ensure locals can move about the town centre safely and easily, create welcoming gateways to the town, bring more visitors to the town and build on the public realm improvements currently taking place in Market Square.

The phased development would see the majority of the Ladysmith’s retail offer transferred to the Arcades. The Ladysmith would be bulldozed to make way for 306 new homes under the proposals.

The Arcades would become the central hub for shopping, with cinema and leisure facilities earmarked for the first floor.

A further 166 homes would be created through multiple smaller housing developments in the area – including St Petersfield. 

Tameside council’s executive cabinet believe the overarching town centre plan, boosted by the £20m Levelling Up funding, would futureproof the town for years to come. This project is already underway, with Market Square currently a building site as part of a £14.6m scheme.

A large canopy containing 10 market kiosks is being built at the moment – replacing the 104 fixed market stalls and eight kiosks that once stood there. The new covering will provide outdoor market traders with protection from the weather and is expected to become a hub for events and cultural activities, Tameside Council says.

Revitalising the high street with shops, cafés, workspaces, and community services is also part of this plan.

Coun Andrew McLaren, deputy leader and executive member for growth, housing and homelessness, said: “A development partner will help us move faster with our plans for Ashton.

“By connecting public and private sites, we’re laying the groundwork for real growth. We’re looking for developers with experience in Greater Manchester who understand the challenges and opportunities.

“We’re excited to share what’s ahead.”

Town hall bosses will also consider whether the scope of the development partner should be widened to include opportunities in Droylsden town centre as well.