Giant town centre redevelopment nears completion

Building work that has disrupted Ashton town centre for over a year will be completed by autumn, according to council bosses.

Market Square in the heart of the Tameside town has been a building site ever since Tameside 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.

Now it is anticipated that the new £14.6m canopy will be officially complete in a matter of months.

Recent images show the roof of the structure is on and builders are buzzing about putting the final touches on this stage of the project. The new kiosks for market traders are already lined up under the shelter for traders to occupy.

The canopy, funded by the government’s Levelling Up Fund, 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. 

A Tameside council spokesperson said: “Strong progress continues to be made on the transformation of Market Square, with key elements of the scheme now visibly taking shape and the overall quality of the redevelopment becoming increasingly clear.

“There is also growing excitement around the programme of events already being introduced, highlighting the strong appetite for activity in the town centre and the role Market Square will play as a vibrant and welcoming community space.

“Over the coming weeks, people will begin to see more features coming into place, including new seating, additional planting, cladding on the canopy roof, and the continued installation of Florentine paving beneath the canopy. We are also looking forward to announcing some exciting new businesses that will form part of the offer.’’

Over the next few months Ashton town centre will host a series of free, family-friendly events and a new monthly artisan market, launching on Sunday, July 19 and running on the third Sunday each month. The artisan market will feature around 70 independent traders, food, crafts, live music, and children’s activities.

Super Saturday events will also return, starting with a ‘Welcome to Ashton’ family day on July 11, featuring live theatre, balloon modelling, face painting, music, and street artists for a free family fun day between 11am–3pm. This will be followed by a circus-themed Super Saturday event in August and more themed events through to November.