TAMESIDE Council has been asked to provide more detail on part of its plans to redevelop Ashton Market square – by its own councillors.
The authority has put together a £10.8 million draft for the area, including the removal of all of kiosks and market stalls and replacing them with the construction of a large canopy or a series of canopied structures, including one attached to Market Hall.
But its Place and External Relations Scrutiny Panel has asked for more information on what it calls ‘future functionality.’
It also wants focus on what happens outside of trading hours and highlighted flaws in some parts of the project.
In a letter to executive member for town centres, Cllr Vimal Choksi and director of place, Julian Jackson, leader of the panel, Cllr Yvonne Cartey, makes its feelings clear.
It says: “Future functionality for parts of the space appear somewhat vague and it is hoped that significant attention can be placed on facilities, lighting and extended use of the square outside of trader and shop opening times.
“Ashton Market Square is a very large space and members feel that while future options for events and general greening of the area is welcome, this may not avoid potential infrequency or underutilisation of space for periods of the year.”
Ashton’s market place as it stands is the subject of huge criticism of Tameside Council.
But a Levelling Up Fund bid win has enabled it to put plans in place and a working group is looking specifically at work relating to town centres.
And the letter calls for things to get moving quickly over the next two years on a scheme it says can ‘act as a catalyst to rebrand Ashton Market Square as a resource to communities and visitors.’
That means making it a ‘destination’ as it will be ‘a modern and fit for purpose space that delivers a diverse mix of uses.’
It adds ahead of the panel’s meeting on Tuesday, January 10: “Tameside’s town centres remain a crucial asset and component to the future economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the borough.
“The overarching Town Centre Framework can act as a strategic umbrella and identify common themes, subtle nuances, bespoke planning and direction for Tameside across all town centres.
“Building on Tameside’s heritage and improved connectivity, the investment can act as a catalyst to rebrand Ashton Market Square as a resource to communities and visitors.
“A vibrant and active town centre can help breathe life into a place and its people. Investment and improvement in Ashton Market Square is welcome.
“Members are supportive of the consultation process and proposals to improve the outdoor market offer and public realm, including the creation of a flexible town square that will aim to enhance the area as a visitor destination in its own right.
“Creating an environment that is attractive, accessible, inclusive and safe remains of the utmost importance. Ashton Market Square needs to be a modern and fit for purpose space that delivers a diverse mix of uses.
“While important to maintain local heritage of the site, members are keen to ensure that the Council’s ambition for the project remains as bold as possible in supporting a wider pull factor.
“To create something that differentiates Ashton Market Square within the region.”
The panel also wants market traders and owners of businesses around the square, as well as members of Ashton’s Town Team, councillors, and key council figures to be among those included on what it calls an Ashton Market Square Advisory and Delivery Panel.
In the letter, it states it would ‘promote transparency and deliver key messages and updates at agreed intervals.’
It continues: “The importance of effective costing, delivery timetables and transparency of communication throughout the length of the programme with key stakeholders.
“In order to work for all, the project needs to be informed by all.”
Although we have to move with the times, Ashton has always been known as a Market Town. Well known, similar to Bury many people visited, since the market has diminished so have the visitors.
Traders have been lost because of cost, I don’t understand why rents were so high because if they were lower it would mean more traders
and more revenue.
Remember OLDHAM MARKET,
For goodness sake, leave it alone, the council seem to always want to mess about with something till it breaks, let the market settle in for a few years and stop tinkering, or are you just trying to justify your jobs.
Tameside council determined to spend every available penny on ashton whilst leaving all other tameside town centres to rot. Shame on you!!!!!!