In 2023, the Council secured £6.6 million of Capital Regeneration Projects (CRP) funding from the Government to deliver a major programme of investment that will enhance the offer and environment within the town centre, support existing and new businesses, improve connectivity and create vital community space.
The funding will support the delivery of the following projects, which we anticipate will make the town centre more attractive, increase visitor numbers, support existing and new businesses and drive growth:
- Improvements to the historic market site which will bring it back into use for a range of uses including events, small businesses and space for the community
- A grant fund to contribute towards improvements to business premises and shop fronts, helping to reduce vacant and under-used space and creating a welcoming atmosphere
- Arts trails and improved lighting around the town centre
- Making streets more attractive, greener and safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
We are excited to share the final proposals for the Ashton Square and Public Realm projects. We will be starting the tender process to procure a contractor to carry out the work during late Summer 2025.
Consultation and Surveys
The projects have been identified and developed following three years of extensive engagement with local residents and stakeholders, including workshops, meetings and public consultation within the town centre and online. The Ashton Innovation Board has also been a key partner and consultee, helping to drive the proposals forward.
This work provided a strong basis for the Council’s funding bid that was submitted in Summer 2022 and helped secure a positive outcome.
In early 2024 we listened to residents, young people, workers and businesses to find out what they believe are the priorities for Ashton. Here are some headlines from the feedback we received:
- 30% of young people surveyed did not feel safe at all in Ashton Town Centre at night
- 64% of businesses and staff surveyed were unhappy with the number of visitors / shoppers coming to Ashton Town Centre
- 52% were of the view that Ashton Town Centre has declined over the last six months whilst 66% were dissatisfied with how Ashton Town Centre looks.
Between September and November 2024, we carried out an online survey along with face-to-face drop-in sessions in Ashton Town Centre, where we spoke to hundreds of residents and businesses. This feedback we gathered has been used to inform and guide the final proposals.
We have also commissioned an external provider to carry out a detailed parking survey of all the car parks within Ashton town centre, to ensure that there is sufficient car parking capacity and shape the car park management proposals. We have also carried out traffic modelling to make sure the plans do not have detrimental effect on the wider road network.
Further Information
We will continue to provide updates on this webpage as the project progresses, and you can find further information here:
Focused on the heart of the town centre and the historic market site, this major regeneration project for Ashton-in-Makerfield is now underway.
Keep in touch
We know that communicating and engaging with the local community is key to the success of this project and ensuring everyone sees the benefits of this investment.
We have and will continue to provide regular updates and obtain input and feedback from businesses and residents as we progress with this exciting journey.
To learn about other major developments within our borough, visit Our Future Borough.