A multi-million pound revamp of Ashton-under-Lyne’s market square with a huge new ‘feature canopy’ has been given the green light.
They will be replaced with a ‘large canopy’ which will allow space for ‘flexible units’ for traders, as well as for events and six kiosks, which would mostly be divided into two units.Damien Cutting, the economic growth lead at Tameside council told members of the planning committee the ‘bespoke’ canopy over the new outdoor kiosks would create a ‘unique landmark destination’ for Ashton.
“This redevelopment of a key asset in the town will reinvigorate the market in Ashton by increasing the number of traders and broadening the offer as similar markets have done across the country.” The meeting was told that Ashton had been a market town ‘since medieval times’ and it was aimed to build upon the success of the indoor market, and increase occupancy in the outdoor market.
The plans also include the creation of new gardens at Wellington Road, by the Grade Two-listed Ashton Town Hall and the indoor Market Hall. The existing tree avenue on Market Street would be retained, with new seating areas created to make it feel ‘less ‘back of house’ and encouraging people to stop and stay.