ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE’S Town Hall is a step closer to its long-awaited reopening after the next stage of work was put forward.
And it may incorporate a wine bar, coffee shop and restaurant.
A report also states the Museum of the Manchester Regiment, which has been housed in the town hall, may move to the town’s Old Library.
The building has been closed for 10 years and its state has been the source of much criticism.
Now feasibility and design work to transform it into a vibrant space by 2030 is set to get the go ahead by Tameside Council’s executive cabinet.
Proposed features include the food and drink ideas, as well as a revitalised council chamber and function room and a range of community spaces celebrating Ashton’s rich local heritage.
Open-plan office spaces and a new accessible entrance, with a planning application having already been submitted for its steps, and potential extension to the rear are also listed.
A budget of £91,000 has been approved to support this next stage of design and the restoration will happen in phases, with construction expected to start in 2028 and finish by 2030, subject to confirmation of funding.
Documents for the cabinet’s meeting on Wednesday, October 29 state: “The long-term viable future of Ashton Town Hall is an important component in the wider plans for Ashton town centre.
“Whilst the heritage importance of the building lies in its classical façade, it is noted that there are significant challenges associated with securing a long-term sustainable use for the building interior.
“This long-term use should reflect the important civic role of the building whilst also considering any opportunities for additional commercial activity to complement the Market Square upon completion of the public realm works.
“The development of more detailed proposals for the town hall needs to take place in this context and be consistent with the council’s long-term approach to the regeneration of Ashton town centre.
“In assessing any future uses within Ashton town hall, consideration will also be given to any opportunities for more effective use of the Ashton Old Library building, including whether this is the most appropriate location for a return of the Museum of the Manchester Regiment linked to the existing Local Studies Centre.”
Much of the money for the town hall project – some £3.4 million – comes out of the near £20 million Tameside Council received from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
A detailed appraisal of its condition found the structural arrangement of the roof is defective and the timbers are in poor condition, with some decayed to a structurally significant degree.
Work to repair the town hall’s façade has been completed, but documents add: “The other issues identified within the condition survey will need to be addressed and updated condition surveys completed to monitor any further deterioration.”
Todd Architects have now been commissioned to undertake further design works and a design assessment for the restoration of the building and provision of a new accessible entrance is now being progressed to establish the costs.
Documents also detailed: “The proposal is to bring the town hall back into use with a sustainable future.
“This will include opening up the basement and ground floor space to maximise the potential to create opportunities for commercial lettings, including restaurant, wine bar and coffee shop to complement the public realm works on the Market Square, maximising the potential of the first floor function suite and to accommodate civic uses, such as the council chamber.
“The architects will also explore options to create a modern open plan extension to the rear, providing flexible office space and constructing a new lift core to ensure the building is accessible for all.”
On the latest stage, Councillor Andrew McLaren Tameside Council’s deputy leader and executive cabinet member for growth, housing and homelessness, said: “Ashton Town Hall is a cornerstone of our civic heritage.
“This restoration will not only preserve its legacy but also create new opportunities for community, culture, and business in the heart of Ashton.”