The future of Ashton and Stalybridge will see growth around transport hubs, with the planned Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) set to be formally agreed by town hall chiefs at a meeting next week following public feedback.
Both Tameside towns already have strong transport links into Manchester city centre through their central train stations. Enhanced connectivity for the commuter towns is the focus of the MDC, which seeks to drive regeneration and redevelopment around rail, tram, bus and active travel corridors. Ashton is 10 minutes from Manchester city centre by train, while Stalybridge is 12 minutes away.
Consultation results show support
Ashton’s incoming Bee Network hub is set to become the first in Greater Manchester to integrate train, tram and buses. The MDC aims to bring new retail and leisure offers, as well as around 3,000 new homes.
Town hall bosses formally approved the creation of the MDC earlier this year, and the scheme has now been put out for public consultation. Of 119 responses gathered from Tameside residents, 61.3 per cent approved and 37 per cent opposed the MDC. According to the same council papers, only 50.4 per cent agreed the MDC would support growth, with 26.1 per cent disagreeing and 21.9 per cent neutral.
Next steps for the MDC
The consultation findings read: “Emerging findings indicate support for regeneration ambitions whilst highlighting the importance of transparency, accountability and ongoing engagement with communities and businesses. Therefore, in summary, the consultation was positive overall, with a clear mandate for establishing the MDC.”
The MDC map will encompass both town centres of Ashton and Stalybridge, Ashton Moss, and stretch out to Guide Bridge railway station. Although masterplans for the regeneration of the two towns are already established, the MDC is required because the towns currently suffer from development constraints, according to the local authority.
Town hall bosses also agreed to ‘strategic property acquisitions’ at a meeting in March, which effectively purchases land to unlock future redevelopment work. When formally accepting the MDC five months ago, leader of Tameside council, Eleanor Wills, said: “By approving these strategic acquisitions, we place the council firmly in control of the town centre’s transformation unlocking new homes, new jobs, a new sustainable pool and sport and leisure offer and the kind of modern, vibrant environment our residents deserve.
“This is about shaping our own destiny. Instead of waiting for the market to decide what happens in Ashton, we are taking proactive leadership by securing key sites, preparing the ground for transport-led regeneration, and building the foundations of a future Mayoral Development Corporation that will accelerate growth across Ashton and Stalybridge.”
The executive cabinet meeting, due to take place on August 26, is also set to accept £5.8m City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement funding from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). This cash would go towards supporting the ongoing delivery of town centre improvement works in Ashton.
