Second phase of mammoth masterplan for Ashton town centre agreed - but there’s no cash to pay for it

The second phase of a mammoth masterplan to transform the centre of neighbouring Ashton has been agreed - but there’s no money to pay for it.

Members of Tameside’s executive cabinet gave the green light to establish phase two of a public realm strategy for the town.

But they acknowledged there is ‘no funding available to deliver any of the schemes and initiatives’.

Consequently councillors have agreed to ‘proactively’ apply for additional external funding to deliver the project.

Phase one works for Ashton town centre are being funded by nearly £20m of government levelling up funding, with £11.2m earmarked for public realm improvements.

The second phase focuses on improving connectivity of ‘key town centre destinations’ such as St Petersfield, Stamford Street and Old Street with the redevelopment of the market square area.

A planning application by the council for a major revamp of the market square with a new ‘feature’ canopy was approved earlier this month.

It also incorporated improvement works to sites around the market, including Fletcher Square, Market Avenue, Warrington Street and land between Ashton Town Hall and Tameside One.

However, these aren’t covered by the levelling up cash, the report to cabinet states, and need ‘future funding’ to deliver the ‘remaining areas’, which also includes Stamford Street Central, Old Street, and St Michael’s Square.

“Whilst new projects are identified in the strategy for delivery, the council has no funding available at the present time and will be seeking opportunities to attract further funding streams,” officers state in their report.

“This second phase of the strategy is important in ensuring Ashton town centre has a clear vision and plan in place to respond positively to future funding initiatives, as and when they emerge, to deliver these later phases of works.”

Councillor Vimal Choksi, executive member for town centres and communities, said it would ensure they had a ‘robust strategy’ in place to attract further investment into the town centre.

“It is important to note at this moment in time that the council has no funding available at present with regards to the phase two, and we will be seeking further opportunities to attract funding,” he added.

“It is a wider document to ensure that Ashton town centre has a clear vision and plan in place.”

Director of place at Tameside council, Julian Jackson, added phase two was part of a long-term strategy.

“It’s really important to just be clear the schemes are being delivered, it’s not in isolation, it’s part of a bigger plan,” he told the meeting.

Council leader Ged Cooney added: “I’ve seen some chatter that there is no money for this - no.

"It’s actually to link in to what’s going on in phase one.

"If we don’t have that plan, that won’t happen.”

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