Once a bustling outdoor market, now a pile of rubble

What Market Square in nearby Ashton looks like now

The outdoor market stalls in neighbouring Ashton has been dismantled, leaving a pile of rubble.

The area where the fixed stalls used to sit – in the shadow of the town hall – is now a fenced-off building site. 

It is part of a project that will see fixed stalls and kiosks replaced with a large canopy. 

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. 

The new structure has been designed to prevent pigeons roosting underneath, a report said. 

As construction work continues the outdoor market stalls will be temporarily moved to Fletcher Square and Market Street, where they’re expected to stay for around 12 months.

The indoor market immediately next door to the construction site will remain open.

Ashton Market Hall is also set to be upgraded using £250,000, which falls under the council’s ambitions for the Market Square.

The scheme forms one part of the emerging strategy for the town centre and the use of the £20m Levelling Up Fund for the overhaul of Market Square

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, café culture and a vibrant evening economy.

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

"A destination where people can socialise and relax.”

The building site used to house 104 fixed market stalls and eight kiosks.

This was the product of a £4.5m investment by the council, completed in 2015.

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