A proposed £10 million revamp of Ashton-under-Lyne’s market square which will see the existing kiosks knocked down for a new ‘canopy’ structure is to go out to public consultation. Tameside’s cabinet has agreed to ask residents for feedback on a draft proposal to transform the existing market square.
This would see the current fixed stalls and kiosks removed, to be 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. Ashton’s current outdoor market was the product of a £4.5m investment by the council seven years ago.
The total cost of the new plans has been estimated at £10.8m, which would be funded from the council’s successful bid to the government’s levelling up fund. Bosses say the proposals will have a number of benefits, including opening up views of heritage buildings, shelter for traders and removing the chance of anti-social behaviour.
