Market Square reopening set for Ashton-under-Lyne 2026

Key points

• The official opening date for Ashton’s revitalised Market Square has been confirmed for 2026, giving a clear finish line to years of planning and construction.
• The square is a central part of the Ashley Street and town‑centre regeneration scheme, led by Tameside Council with Levelling Up funding from the UK government.
• The project aims to “transform the heart of Ashton” by creating a more attractive, pedestrian‑friendly public space that supports local traders and visitors.
• Work includes full resurfacing, new drainage and lighting, additional seating, and improved access routes between the market and surrounding streets.
• Contractors have already begun civil‑engineering works on the square, with the council planning a phased handover and soft‑opening events before the 2026 launch.
• Market traders and local businesses have expressed mixed reactions, welcoming the long‑term benefits but flagging temporary disruption during the build phase.
• Tameside Council has emphasised that the success of the scheme will be judged by increased footfall, improved business confidence, and community feedback after reopening.

Ashton‑under‑Lyne square reopening set for 2026, Ashton

Ashton‑under‑Lyne (Manchester Mirror) 2026 – The opening date for Ashton’s revitalised Market Square has been formally announced for 2026, marking a decisive milestone in the town’s regeneration drive. The new Market Square is set to serve as the civic and social heart of Ashton‑under‑Lyne, linking the traditional market with Ashley Street and the wider town centre to create a more attractive destination for shoppers and visitors. Council sources have confirmed that the square will open in phases, with the central paved area and key access routes scheduled to be ready for public use by the latter months of 2026.

What is the Market Square project in Ashton?

The Ashton Market Square project forms the centrepiece of the Ashley Street and town‑centre regeneration plan, designed to make the area more pedestrian‑friendly, visually appealing and safer for residents and visitors. Council leaders have described the scheme as “a once‑in‑a‑generation investment” that will modernise public spaces while preserving the area’s historic character and market traditions. The project includes resurfacing the entire square, installing new drainage systems, upgrading lighting, adding seating and shelters, and introducing clearer signage and wayfinding.

Design work has been carried out in consultation with local residents, market traders and business groups, with a series of public meetings held to gather feedback on layout, accessibility and parking. Council officials have stated that these consultations directly influenced the positioning of market stalls, event areas and disabled‑access routes, ensuring that the final design meets community needs. The project also aligns with broader plans for Ashley Street, including improved bus‑lane access and refreshed shopfronts to strengthen connectivity with Manchester city centre.

Why is the Market Square reopening important for Ashton?

For Ashton‑under‑Lyne, the reopening of the Market Square is being framed as a catalyst for economic and social renewal in the town centre. Council leaders argue that a modern, attractive square will encourage more people to visit, shop and linger, boosting trade for local cafes, shops and market stalls. The scheme is also expected to support wider regeneration efforts along Ashley Street, helping to counteract the decline of high‑street retail witnessed in many former industrial towns.

The project falls under the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda, with Tameside Council securing a package of national funding that partially covers the Market Square works. Officials have emphasised that the investment is intended to reduce economic disparities between Ashton and more prosperous parts of Greater Manchester, while also reinforcing the town’s identity and sense of place. Civic leaders have repeatedly stated that the success of the scheme will be measured not only by the 2026 opening date but by tangible improvements in footfall, business confidence, and community satisfaction in the months and years that follow.

What changes will visitors see in the square?

Once fully completed, Ashton’s Market Square will feature a more open, accessible layout compared with its previous configuration. The new design prioritises clear pedestrian routes, reduces vehicle dominance, and improves visibility between market stalls and the main shopping streets. The square will include uniform paving, coordinated street furniture, new lighting masts and dedicated zones for market stalls, events and temporary seating.

The drainage system is being overhauled to prevent long‑standing issues with flooding and surface‑water pooling, which have affected the area in past years. The council has also committed to planting more trees and greenery where possible, creating a more pleasant environment for shoppers and for residents using the square as a meeting point. Additional information boards and wayfinding signage will be installed to help visitors navigate the market, public transport stops and nearby amenities such as the library and community centre.

How has the project affected traders and businesses?

The rebuilding process has produced a mixed impact on market traders and local businesses, with some reporting temporary disruption and others expressing optimism about the long‑term gains. Several market stallholders have told local reporters that the construction phase has made it harder to attract customers at busy times, due to restricted access routes and background noise from works. However, many traders have also said they were hopeful that the new layout would ultimately bring more footfall, improve safety and make the market more inviting for families and older visitors.

Shops and cafes along Ashley Street have similarly experienced reduced visibility during certain phases of the works, but owners have generally voiced support for the council’s long‑term vision. Some local business groups have called for clearer communication of each construction phase, including advance notice of road closures and temporary diversions, so that they can plan staffing and stock levels accordingly. The council has acknowledged there have been learning points in managing the project’s impact on trade and has pledged to keep channels open with traders as the square moves toward its 2026 opening.

What are the next steps before the 2026 opening?

In the months leading up to the 2026 reopening, Tameside Council will oversee the final stages of construction on Ashton’s Market Square, including finishing paving, installing street furniture and carrying out quality checks. Contractors are expected to complete the bulk of civil‑engineering works—such as drainage, utility‑relocation and lighting—before focusing on cosmetic details and event‑ready facilities. The council has also indicated that soft‑opening events and trial markets may be tested in late 2026 to assess people‑flow and traffic patterns before declaring the square fully operational.

Community engagement will continue alongside the physical work, with the council planning at least one public update session to brief residents on the final layout, access arrangements and any planned events in the square. Officials have also signalled that the Market Square will be closely monitored in its first year, with adjustments made where necessary to improve safety, usability and accessibility.