Ashton Market revamp to take 12 months

£10.8m works to redevelop Ashton’s outdoor market will begin in August, with Tameside Council expecting it to become a “vibrant, multi-use space”.

The market square will close for a year, with the Tuesday and Saturday markets being moved to temporary sites in Fletcher Square and Market Street, while the Sunday Tabletop Market will be next door at the Old Cross Street Car Park. 

Some of the existing kiosks will also transfer to the interim locations, with plans for more food and drink offerings once the regenerated square reopens. 

The new market area will be under one large triangular canopy, with enhanced lighting, ‘high quality’ seating, new paving and planting, green spaces, and more comprehensive CCTV coverage. 

“It will be fantastic to see work starting on site on this exciting transformation, but we are aware that it will cause some disruption,” said Councillor Vimal Choksi, an Executive Member for TMBC’s Town Centre and Communities group. “We will be doing everything possible to minimise the impact for visitors, shoppers, and traders while work takes place. 

“We really want to support our local retailers and market traders and to encourage everyone to shop as usual.  

“Ashton will remain open for business and there will be events and activities to bring in more footfall like Saturdays on the Square, which has free parking at Union Street Car Park, and it is vital we continue to use the town centre as usual and keep shopping local to support our businesses community.” 

The money for the development come from £20m awarded to the area by the former government's Levelling Up Fund.

Stallholders on the indoor market will continue to trade as normal while the works take place.