‘These units represent not just a physical transformation, but the beginning of a new chapter for the town centre’
Market Square in Ashton, Tameside. Pictured on October 29, 2025(Image: LDRS)
A major milestone has been reached in the transformation of Ashton town centre. Market Square, in the heart of Tameside’s largest town, has resembled a building site for the majority of 2025.
Now the kiosks that will go under the £14.6m canopy development have started to appear. The canopy, funded by the government’s Levelling Up Fund, will provide shelter for market traders and visitors and become a hub for events and cultural activities, helping to make the space more welcoming all year round.
At the beginning of the year the old fixed market stalls were bulldozed by Tameside council. The fenced-off building site used to house 104 fixed market stalls and eight kiosks.
The plans have been designed using feedback and views from traders, residents, and stakeholders. A number of traders have already signed up for the new kiosks which will also arrive on site in the coming weeks, according to Tameside council.
The new market kiosks have started to arrive at Ashton Market Square in Tameside(Image: Tameside council)
Over recent months, extensive work has been underway both on site and behind the scenes, but the arrival of these fully finished kiosks represents more visible signs of progress. Installation of the kiosks, provided by modular specialists WhiteCrate, began on Monday (November 17).
Coun Andrew McLaren, deputy leader and executive cabinet member for growth, housing and homelessness at Tameside Council, said: “Seeing the new market kiosks arrive marks an exciting moment for Ashton. These units represent not just a physical transformation, but the beginning of a new chapter for the town centre.
The plans include a large new canopy on the market square(Image: Tameside council)
“Made in the North West the design quality and craftsmanship are exceptional, and it’s great to see local partners like WhiteCrate, Buttress, and HTF contributing to such a positive regeneration story for Tameside.
“If you are a business interested in taking on one of the new kiosks, you can contact a member of the Markets Team on markets@tameside.gov.uk or 0161 342 3268.”
The new market kiosks have started to arrive at Ashton Market Square in Tameside(Image: Tameside council)
Just next to the square, the market hall will get some creative spaces as well as additional food and drink offers.
Town hall chiefs say they want to be on the ‘front foot’ to meet the changing demands of locals following a steady decline in retail options.
This scheme forms part of a wider redevelopment strategy in the town, which will also see the town hall undergo refurbishment work and the old bus station plot brought back to life.