The completion date for Ashton's Market Square overhaul revealed

Ashton Market Square has been a building site for two years. Now an opening date for its £14.6 million upgrade has been confirmed by the Council.

The newly transformed Market Square canopy will take centre stage on Saturday, November 14th as part of the Tameside Northern Lights Winter Parade and Christmas festivities. Tameside council says this will mark ‘a new chapter for the heart of the town and create a vibrant setting for community events, family activities and seasonal highlights’.

The major transformation includes the opening of 10 new permanent kiosks and a versatile events space. It will be set to be up as a community hub in the lead up to Christmas.

Market Square, in the heart of the Tameside town, has been a building site ever since the council bulldozed the old fixed market stalls in early 2025. The fenced-off building site used to house 104 fixed market stalls and eight kiosks.

Stallholders have already been assigned their new spots in the revamped outdoor market area. A mix of new independent traders and some familiar faces have been given the nod by Tameside council.

As well as offering new trading space, the square has been redesigned to be more welcoming and easier to get around, with more seating, enhanced lighting, artwork, greenery, bins, and more open space. 

Tameside council leader Eleanor Wills said: “This is such an exciting time for Ashton. The transformation of Ashton Market Square is about much more than creating a new look. 

“It’s about creating a welcoming place that meets modern day shopping and leisure habits, where people can come together, support local businesses, enjoy events and spend time with family and friends in the heart of our town centre.

“I’m delighted to officially open the square as part of the Northern Lights Winter Parade and Christmas celebrations, giving residents and visitors the chance to experience everything this fantastic new community space has to offer. 

“From the new independent traders and markets to year-round events and activities, the square will play an important role in bringing more people into Ashton, supporting the local economy and creating a vibrant town centre that everyone can be proud of.

“Importantly, this investment is also about the future. We’re creating a long-term asset for Ashton that will serve our communities for generations to come, providing a modern, attractive space where people can connect, celebrate and make memories together for many years ahead.”

The next phase of works for the town centre, which will follow the market launch and lantern parade event, will see contractors coming back on site to complete paving between the canopy space and the market hall. They will also do the final finishing touches to the canopy, install new benches and plant more trees. 

This second phase will also include the renovation works to Ashton Town Hall steps and the start of improvements to Fletcher Square, Market Street and Bow Street.