Multi-million pound proposals to transform Ashton-under-Lyne’s market square which include a huge new ‘feature canopy’ have been formally lodged.
“The regeneration of the Market Grounds presents an exciting opportunity for Ashton town centre as a new modern market town offering space for different types of events,” the design and access document states. The planning documents outline the creation of a flexible space within the square for events and market ‘spill out, with pop-up market stalls to extend into the main square creating an ‘active central zone.
This could become an ‘inviting green gateway’ to the market grounds, the planning documents state, offering a public, accessible and calm green space to dwell. 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.