CLAIMS that Ashton-under-Lyne’s market hall may be sold to private investors have caused bemusement.
Cllr Kaleel Khan posted on social media he ‘had been told’ the building was being targeted for sale, with the knowledge of Cllrs Andrew McLaren and Atta Ul-Rasool, plus MP Angela Rayner.
Sources on one side insist it has been talked about previously, only to be voted down.
However, The Correspondent has learned there are no such plans in the offing, as things stand.
And seeing the post raised plenty of eyebrows as such a scenario is not thought to be likely.
Cllr Khan wrote, although the word if appears to be doing some heavy lifting: “I am deeply concerned about the future of Ashton Market Hall and whether Labour Cllrs are taking proposals forward without proper scrutiny or involvement from opposition Cllrs.
“If this is true it’s scandalous.
“My understanding is that proposals to sell this historic building form part of the Ashton town centre regeneration programme through the Ashton Neighbourhood Board and have been in the pipeline for some time.
“I have also been told that private investors are visiting Ashton Market Hall in secret to assess whether buying it could be profitable.
“Labour-run Tameside Council must confirm URGENTLY whether these visits are taking place and explain what discussions have been held about the building’s future.”
Planning permission was granted in November 2925 to reconfigure the interior of the Grade-II listed facility.
And some of the £20 million of Levelling Up Money awarded to the town will be used.
When approving the scheme, a report states: “The redevelopment of the Indoor Market would enhance the environmental quality and appearance of Ashton.
“The indoor market offer would continue the retail use of this facility, while also diversifying the leisure business within Ashton.
“The development also accords with the Town Centre Strategy, which envisages the market offer being strengthened as a shopping destination, supporting its retail offer and enhancing the public environment.
“Overall, the works are helping to deliver a functional, inclusive, and sustainable future for Ashton Market Hall.
“By combining targeted internal enhancements with minimal, sympathetic external changes, the scheme will help the Hall continue to serve as a vibrant, adaptable, and well-used space for traders, visitors, and the wider community.
“The proposals respect and celebrate the building’s historic character, ensuring its significance is preserved while securing its role at the heart of Ashton- under-Lyne for years to come.”
A meeting of Ashton Neighbourhood Board on June 4 also heard about progress, including listed building consent being secured.
The procurement of architects and cost consultants has commenced and a submission will be made to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for £245,000 towards cultural and creative development activity.
Ashton’s Pride in Place programme also details how: “Major upgrades to the market are also underway, including a revamp of the market square with flexible event spaces, and improvements to the Market Hall to help enhance the town’s appeal.”
But it does add: “Through investment across Ashton, it is anticipated that private sector interest will be triggered in the longer term as business and investor confidence grows.”
The Correspondent approached Cllr Khan with questions regarding his social media post.