Market stalls to be removed and parking prices dropped

Stalls in neighbouring Ashton Market Hall will soon be ripped out as part of a transformation of the site and the wider town centre.

Town hall bosses approved the use of £250,000 from a £3.812m grant allocated from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Works will include the reduction of entry points into the market hall as well as the removal of fixed stalls, the executive cabinet meeting on August 21 was told.

These will be replaced by ‘flexible spaces’ in addition to communal seating, planters, network points and power for small business pods and community groups.

This project forms one part of the emerging public realm strategy for the town centre and the use of the £20m Levelling Up Fund for the overhaul of Market Square, the Tameside One council building heard.

A masterplan touting the future vision for Ashton town centre stated: “The Market Square will be the beating heart of the town; a modern market and public space enlivened by events, cafe culture and a vibrant evening economy. 

“A friendly and welcoming place for future generations to enjoy.

"A destination where people can socialise and relax.”

Cabinet members were quick to heap praise on the plans for the market hall, with Coun Jack Naylor describing this as “a really exciting time for Ashton”. 

Council leader Ged Cooney wanted to clarify that no one would be losing their stall during these works and that this was a plan that would ‘enhance’ their offer in the market.

Coin Cooney went on to say how there are lots of young people using the big chains Greggs and McDonald’s in the town centre – and this change could lure them into the market instead.

Deputy leader Coun Bill Fairfoull added: “I really hope that message comes across (the positive news).

"Hopefully it can expand the offer and get more people (into the market) across all age ranges.”

After the cabinet approved that funding, they went on to approve the plan to reduce car parking fees in the town centre as part of their wider plan to bring more people into the market square area.

Only the Old Cross Street and Union Street car parks will be impacted by this.

A flat fee of £1 for up to three hours at Old Cross Street and free weekend parking at Union Street will come into effect on Thursday, September 12.

However, town hall bosses admitted this has already started following confusion over the pricing in recent weeks.

Council papers estimate that making Union Street free at weekends will reduce the council’s income by £30/week or £1,560 per annum.

They went on to read that reducing the fees at Old Cross Street, whilst keeping the £9 for all day parking, will reduce the income by £863 a week or £41,410 annually.

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