Multi-million plans for massive revamp of Ashton-under-Lyne market unveiled - with huge canopy approved

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A multi-million pound revamp of Ashton-under-Lyne’s market square with a huge new ‘feature canopy’ has been given the green light.

Members of Tameside’s planning committee have granted permission for plans for the square, next to Ashton Market Hall and the Town Hall, to be transformed with £10.8m of Levelling Up funding.

The council is aiming to regenerate the square by replacing the existing outside stalls and kiosks it says are currently plagued by anti-social behaviour.

They will be replaced with a ‘large canopy’ which will allow space for ‘flexible units’ for traders, as well as for events and six kiosks, which would mostly be divided into two units. J oin our WhatsAp p Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link . Damien Cutting, the economic growth lead at Tameside council told members of the planning committee the ‘bespoke’ canopy over the new outdoor kiosks would create a ‘unique landmark destination’ for Ashton. “Improving Ashton market square is absolutely essentially to the future vitality and viability of the town centre,” he added. “The new scheme will bring a number of benefits to the local community and breathe new life into the town.” The benefits include raising the town’s profile and deterring anti-social behaviour, providing flexible spaces for events and improving the evening and night-time economy, he said. “This redevelopment of a key asset in the town will reinvigorate the market in Ashton by increasing the number of traders and broadening the offer as similar markets have done across the country.” Councillors were told new paving would mean the entire square was accessible and safe for all visitors and residents. “The new development will be transformational and bold,