Major vision for Ashton and Stalybridge set to move forward

The future of both Ashton and Stalybridge will see growth around transport hubs.

Both the Tameside towns already have great transport links into Manchester city centres through train stations in their centres. Enhanced connectivity for the commuter towns is the focus of the planned Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).

Ashton’s incoming Bee Network hub is set to become the first to integrate train, tram and buses in Greater Manchester.

The MDC seeks to drive the regeneration and redevelopment around the rail, tram, bus and active travel corridors. The towns are both ideal commuter spots, with Ashton being 10 minutes from Manchester city centre by train, and Stalybridge being 12 minutes. 

New retail and leisure offers, as well as around 3,000 new homes, are part of the package this MDC is looking to bring in. Town hall bosses formally approved the creation of the MDC earlier this year. Now the scheme has been put out for public consultation.

Of 119 responses gathered from Tameside residents, there was 61.3 percent approval and 37 percent opposition to the MDC. According to the same council papers, only 50.4 percent agreed the MDC would support growth, with 26.1 percent disagreeing and 21.9 percent neutral.

The findings read: “Emerging findings indicate support for regeneration ambitions whilst highlighting the importance of transparency, accountability and ongoing engagement with communities and businesses. Therefore, in summary, the consultation was positive overall, with a clear mandate for establishing the MDC.”

Town hall chiefs are set to formally agree to move forward with the MDC plans at their meeting next week, following the public feedback. The MDC map will encompass both towns centres of Ashton and Stalybridge, Ashton Moss and stretch out to Guide Bridge railway station. 

Although masterplans for the regeneration of Ashton and Stalybridge are already established, the MDC is required because the two towns currently suffer from development constraints, according to the local authority. Town hall bosses also agreed to ‘strategic property acquisitions’ at the meeting in March, which effectively purchases land in order to unlock future redevelopment work.

When formally accepting the MDC five months ago, leader of Tameside council, Eleanor Wills, said: “By approving these strategic acquisitions, we place the council firmly in control of the town centre’s transformation unlocking new homes, new jobs, a new sustainable pool and sport and leisure offer and the kind of modern, vibrant environment our residents deserve.