Ashton outdoor market dismantled amid town centre revamp

By George Lythgoe – Local Democracy Reporter and Gary Carter

THE OUTDOOR market stalls in Ashton have been dismantled, leaving a pile of rubble.

The area where the fixed stalls used to sit – in the shadow of the town hall – is now a fenced-off building site.

It is part of a project that will see fixed stalls and kiosks replaced with a large canopy.

Ashton outdoor market. image by GGC Media

The new covering will provide outdoor market traders with protection from the weather and is expected to become a hub for events and cultural activities.

The new structure has been designed to prevent pigeons roosting underneath, a report said.

While the major work is going on, the temporary outdoor market will be set up on Tuesdays and Saturdays in Fletcher Square and Market Street.

The indoor market immediately next door to the construction site will remain open. Ashton Market Hall is also set to be upgraded using £250,000, which falls under the council’s ambitions for the Market Square.

The scheme forms one part of the emerging strategy for the town centre and the use of the £20m Levelling Up Fund for the overhaul of Market Square

A masterplan touting the future vision for Ashton town centre stated: “The Market Square will be the beating heart of the town; a modern market and public space enlivened by events, café culture and a vibrant evening economy.

“A friendly and welcoming place for future generations to enjoy. A destination where people can socialise and relax.”

Whitecrate will manufacture the new kiosks, The Casey Group will construct the canopy and public space beneath it after landing the near £4.5 million contract.

High quality seating, green space, enhanced lighting and CCTV covering the entire area will also be introduced.

As well as the new market and canopy, public realm work around the area will make it more accessible, with the aim of making it more attractive and desirable.

The building site used to house 104 fixed market stalls and eight kiosks. This was the product of a £4.5m investment by the council, completed in 2015.