Member Article

Ashton market plans open to public consultation

Outline plans for the£4.5m redesign of Ashton’s historic market ground are being opened to public consultation.

The process is to be knows as The Big Conversation, and will run until the end of this month.

Following that, opinions on the detailed design ideas will be sought throughout November and December.

Tameside Council says that the development will revitalise the town centre through increased visitor and shopper numbers, helping existing traders and making the town a more attractive option for shops and businesses who want to relocate and expand.

The money earmarked for the project can only be spent on building projects in the borough.

Chair of Ashton Town Team, Cllr Bill Fairfoull said: “This is a really exciting time for Ashton’s town centre and its historic market square. We’ve already seen the positive effect the redevelopment of the market hall has had on the town, so this new piece of work can only improve that even more.

“The redevelopment of Ashton Market Square is primarily about delivering economic and employment growth. It is part of the Council’s desire to enhance its public spaces; to foster a renewed sense of civic pride amongst residents and attract further investment and development in Ashton.

“So it is vital that as many people as possible make their views known through the Big Conversation webpage, so I would urge all interested parties to go online and fill out the form that will be their ticket to having a say on how they think the new multi-million pound development should look.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .