Town centre becomes building site

The centre of Ashton remains a building site as work to transform it continues.

At the beginning of the year the area where the fixed market stalls used to sit was bulldozed. Piles of rubble have been visible on Market Square for the last few months, but signs of construction are beginning to emerge.

The fenced-off building site used to house 104 fixed market stalls and eight kiosks.

This £14.6m project is starting to see progress with workers and construction vehicles starting to lay foundations. Many locals have to skirt around the edges of Market Square in order to access shops, market hall and the library.

The project will see a large canopy containing 10 market kiosks built – replacing the old units. 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.

Market stall workers have been moved temporarily to Fletcher Square and Market Street – where they are expected to stay for the rest of 2025 during construction.

Just next to the square, the market hall will get some titivation and creative spaces as well as additional food and drink offers. According to town hall chiefs, they want to be on the ‘front foot’ to meet the changing demands of locals following a steady decline in retail options.

“The Market Square will be the beating heart of the town; a modern market and public space enlivened by events, café culture and a vibrant evening economy,” town hall papers read.

“A friendly and welcoming place for future generations to enjoy. A destination where people can socialise and relax.”

This scheme forms part of a wider redevelopment strategy in the town, which will also see the town hall undergo refurbishment work and the old bus station plot brought back to life.