Key Points
- Land in Ashton-under-Lyne sold to private developers for transformation into a ‘high-quality business park’.
- Sale announced on 23 February 2026 by the Tameside Correspondent, highlighting economic regeneration potential.
- Site located on key Ashton industrial area, previously underutilised brownfield land.
- Developers promise modern facilities including office spaces, green areas, and sustainable infrastructure.
- Tameside Council supports the project, citing job creation and investment boost for local economy.
- No specific sale price disclosed, but deal described as ‘significant’ by council officials.
- Planning permission fast-tracked under local regeneration initiatives.
- Expected to attract high-tech and professional services firms.
- Community consultations held, with positive feedback on green space commitments.
- Part of broader Tameside economic strategy post-2025 recovery plans.
Ashton-under-Lyne (Manchester Mirror) February 23, 2026 – A prime plot of land in Ashton-under-Lyne has been sold to developers poised to create a high-quality business park, marking a significant step in local economic regeneration, as exclusively reported in the borough’s leading independent news outlet. The transaction, finalised this week, promises modern office spaces and sustainable features to draw premium businesses to Tameside. Council leaders hailed the deal as a ‘game-changer’ for job opportunities amid ongoing post-pandemic recovery efforts.
What Triggered the Ashton Land Sale?
The sale stems from Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council’s strategic decision to offload underperforming brownfield sites for redevelopment. As detailed by Tameside Correspondent reporter J. Smith, the 10-acre plot on Wellington Road had lain dormant since factory closures in the early 2010s, contributing little to the local tax base. “This disposal aligns with our 2025-2030 Economic Growth Plan,” stated Councillor Kate Dawson, Tameside’s Executive Member for Economic Growth, in the original coverage. The council marketed the site through regional property auctions, attracting bids from national developers focused on Grade A commercial spaces.
No competing bids were publicly disclosed, but sources close to the deal indicated competitive interest from Manchester-based firms. The buyer, a consortium led by Property Ventures Ltd, committed to a £50 million investment over five years, though exact figures remain commercially sensitive. This move follows similar successful sales in nearby Stalybridge, where a logistics hub created 500 jobs since 2024.
Who Bought the Ashton Land and Why?
Property Ventures Ltd, a Midlands-based developer with a track record in northern England projects, emerged as the purchaser after rigorous council vetting. According to Tameside Correspondent’s in-depth feature, the firm’s proposal stood out for its emphasis on ‘high-quality’ standards, including BREEAM Excellent environmental certification. “We envision a business park that rivals those in Cheshire’s golden triangle, bringing prestige to Ashton,” said CEO Mark Reynolds in a statement to the paper.
The motivation is twofold: capitalising on Ashton’s proximity to Manchester’s orbital M60 motorway and addressing the national shortage of premium flexi-office spaces post-2025 remote work shifts. Reynolds highlighted the site’s 1,000 sqm potential for hybrid workspaces, appealing to tech startups and professional services overlooked by Manchester city centre’s high rents. Tameside Council’s planning officers endorsed the bid, noting its alignment with the Local Plan 2021-2039.
Which Features Will Define the New Business Park?
Under H3 sub-details, the park will boast landscaped green buffers, EV charging hubs, and cycle superhighways linking to Ashton town centre. Public realm enhancements include a 2-acre public park, fulfilling community demands raised in November 2025 consultations. “Residents wanted jobs without losing green space – we’ve balanced both,” affirmed Reynolds. Phase one targets completion by Q4 2027, with 100,000 sq ft lettable space.
How Will This Impact Local Jobs and Economy?
Economic modelling cited by the Tameside Correspondent projects 800 direct jobs and 2,000 indirect roles within three years, bolstering Ashton’s 8.2% unemployment rate from 2025 data. As reported by lead journalist A. Patel of the outlet, Councillor Dawson elaborated: “This isn’t just bricks and mortar; it’s a catalyst for high-skill employment in digital and creative sectors.” Local businesses anticipate supply chain benefits, with firms like Ashton-based logistics giant TransNet already expressing interest in ancillary units.
The project ties into Greater Manchester’s £1 billion Levelling Up funds, allocated in 2025, positioning Tameside as a commuter hub. Critics, including Green Party councillor L. Hargreaves, welcomed the sale but urged safeguards against ‘vanilla box’ developments. “We’ve secured covenants for quality – no low-wage warehouses,” countered Dawson.
What Planning Hurdles Lie Ahead?
Planning approval is provisional, pending full application submission by March 2026. Tameside Correspondent noted potential scrutiny over traffic impacts on Wellington Road, a known bottleneck. Highways England has been consulted, promising junction upgrades at Junction 23 of the M67. Community feedback from 150 residents overwhelmingly supported (78% yes), per council surveys.
Environmental assessments confirm no flood risks, thanks to prior remediation works funded by the council in 2024. “We’ve mitigated all legacy contamination from prior industrial use,” assured planning officer R. Khalid. Full permissions could arrive by summer, accelerating construction amid UK planning reforms under the current government.
Why Is This a Win for Ashton-under-Lyne Regeneration?
Ashton has grappled with deindustrialisation since the 1990s, losing 5,000 manufacturing jobs. This business park revives Wellington Road’s ‘Enterprise Corridor’, complementing the £120 million Ashton Town Centre Masterplan. Tameside Correspondent’s analysis links it to a 15% rise in business rates forecasted for 2028. “It’s about retaining talent locally, not losing it to Stockport or Trafford,” said chamber of commerce head S. Iqbal.
Broader context includes Tameside’s 2026 budget, which earmarks £10 million for skills academies tied to the park. Residents like long-term Wellington Road shop owner M. Ali voiced optimism: “Finally, something positive after years of neglect.”
When Will Construction Start and Finish?
Site clearance begins April 2026, with piling in June, per developer’s timeline shared exclusively with Tameside Correspondent. Phase one handover is slated for late 2027, full occupancy by 2029. Delays could stem from supply chain issues, echoing 2025 construction woes, but Reynolds pledged buffer contingencies. “We’re on track for a landmark opening,” he affirmed.
Where Does This Fit in Tameside’s Growth Plans?
This sale is the third in 18 months, following Guide Bridge and Denton sites that generated £20 million combined. It supports Tameside’s ambition to host 10,000 new jobs by 2030, per the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. Cross-party backing underscores its non-political appeal. “A united front for prosperity,” summarised council leader H. Reid.
In a region where Manchester absorbs 70% of investment, Ashton’s project decentralises growth. Neighbouring Oldham watches closely, pondering similar disposals.
Final Implications for Businesses and Residents
For businesses, occupancy costs are projected 20% below Manchester’s, at £25 psf, attracting SMEs priced out centrally. Residents gain from elevated property values (estimated 5-7% uplift) and improved amenities. As Tameside Correspondent concludes, this cements Ashton’s role in Greater Manchester’s northern powerhouse revival.
