Ashton Market Square's £14.6m upgrade will open on Saturday, November 14, as part of the Tameside Northern Lights Winter Parade and Christmas festivities, Tameside council has confirmed.
The newly transformed Market Square canopy will mark 'a new chapter for the heart of the town and create a vibrant setting for community events, family activities and seasonal highlights', the council said. The project includes ten new permanent kiosks and a versatile events space, which will operate as a community hub in the lead-up to Christmas.
Two-Year Transformation
Market Square has been a building site since the council demolished the old fixed market stalls in early 2025. The fenced-off site previously housed 104 fixed market stalls and eight kiosks.
Stallholders have already been assigned their new spots in the revamped outdoor market area, with a mix of new independent traders and some familiar faces approved by Tameside council. The square has also been redesigned with more seating, enhanced lighting, artwork, greenery, bins, and more open space to make it easier to get around.
Council Leader Welcomes New Chapter
Tameside council leader Eleanor Wills said: "This is such an exciting time for Ashton. The transformation of Ashton Market Square is about much more than creating a new look.
"It's about creating a welcoming place that meets modern day shopping and leisure habits, where people can come together, support local businesses, enjoy events and spend time with family and friends in the heart of our town centre.
"I'm delighted to officially open the square as part of the Northern Lights Winter Parade and Christmas celebrations, giving residents and visitors the chance to experience everything this fantastic new community space has to offer.
"From the new independent traders and markets to year-round events and activities, the square will play an important role in bringing more people into Ashton, supporting the local economy and creating a vibrant town centre that everyone can be proud of.
"Importantly, this investment is also about the future. We're creating a long-term asset for Ashton that will serve our communities for generations to come, providing a modern, attractive space where people can connect, celebrate and make memories together for many years ahead."
Next Phase of Works
The next phase of town centre works, following the market launch and lantern parade, will see contractors return to complete paving between the canopy space and the market hall. They will also add final touches to the canopy, install new benches, and plant more trees.
This second phase will also include renovation works to Ashton Town Hall steps and the start of improvements to Fletcher Square, Market Street and Bow Street.
