New images have been revealed showing how Ashton market square could be transformed under £10m plans for a new ‘canopy structure’ to replace the existing outside stalls plagued by anti-social behaviour.
Following a four week public consultation, Tameside council has released detailed plans of how the public space in the centre of Ashton-under-Lyne could be redeveloped. Under the proposals, the current fixed stalls and kiosks would be removed and replaced with a ‘large canopy’ which would allow ‘flexible units’ for traders and elsewhere in the square, and would see a canopy attached to the market hall.
The current outdoor market which has 104 fixed market stalls and eight kiosks, was the product of a £4.5m investment by the council which was completed in 2015. However a report to executive cabinet states that trader numbers have now declined to an average weekly occupancy of just 25 pc.
