‘We’re laying the groundwork for real growth’
CGI of how a revitalised St Peterfield in Ashton could look(Image: Tameside Council)
The regeneration of Ashton could see thousands more homes built as well as the region’s first fully-integrated Bee Network station – connecting Metrolink, bus and train services.
Tameside council is looking for a development partner to start work in the coming months on the major town centre redevelopment project.
The project could see up to 2,400 new homes built; 12.5 hectares of commercial space created to support businesses and jobs; and Greater Manchester’s first fully connected Bee Network station introduced.
The town hall wants to make Ashton a ‘vibrant’ and ‘modern’ town. Council bosses hope to appoint a developer by spring 2026.
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The latest version of the Ashton masterplan builds on the ongoing transformation of Market Square and development of St Petersfield as part of the Ashton Mayoral Development (AMDZ).
The plan, approved by town hall bosses, would see the Arcades and Ladysmith shopping centres reconfigured to ‘better suit the needs of locals’.
Construction site on Market Square, in the heart of Ashton town centre (Image: LDRS)
The vacant space where the old bus station once stood would become home to a new public realm with an improved link to the train station.
Filling the space left by the old station would be 466 new homes and 5,710 sqm of ‘active ground floor space’, connecting the town centre to its transport hubs.
The masterplan is aimed at ensuring people can move about the town centre safely and easily; creating welcoming ‘gateways’; bringing more visitors to the town; and building on public realm improvements in Market Square.
The phased development would see the majority of the Ladysmith’s retail offer transferred to the Arcades. The Ladysmith would be bulldozed to make way for 306 new homes under the proposals.
Former Ashton Bus Station site(Image: Tameside Council)
The Arcades would become the central hub for shopping, with a cinema and leisure facilities earmarked for the first floor.
A further 166 homes would be created through multiple smaller housing developments in the area, including St Petersfield.
Tameside council’s executive cabinet believe the overarching town centre plan, boosted by the £20m Levelling Up funding, would futureproof the town for years to come. The project is already underway, with Market Square currently a building site as part of a £14.6m scheme.
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A large canopy containing 10 market kiosks is currently being built , replacing the 104 fixed market stalls and eight kiosks that once stood there.
The new covering will provide outdoor market traders with protection from the weather and is expected to become a hub for events and cultural activities, Tameside council added.
CGI of what the transformed Ashton Market Square could look like
Revitalising the high street with shops, cafés, workspaces, and community services is also part of the plan.
Coun Andrew McLaren, deputy leader and executive member for growth, housing and homelessness, said: “A development partner will help us move faster with our plans for Ashton.
“By connecting public and private sites, we’re laying the groundwork for real growth. We’re looking for developers with experience in Greater Manchester who understand the challenges and opportunities.
“We’re excited to share what’s ahead.”
Town hall bosses will also consider whether the scope of the development partner should be widened to include opportunities in Droylsden town centre as well.