The Council has secured £6.6 million from the governments Local Regeneration Fund (LRF) 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 is supporting 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 create a new public square and bring it back into use for a range of uses including events, small businesses and space for the community
- Enhancing the public realm on Gerard street and Garswood Street, making them more attractive, greener and safer
- 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
The new square and public realm projects are currently out to tender, and this will close at the end of November 2025. A tender evaluation and approval process will follow and we are expecting the decision to award the contract to be taken by Cabinet in January 2026. Therefore, a further update on the approved contractor and next steps, is expected to be made early in 2026.
Building Grants update
The first of the shopfronts have now been done with more on-site schemes over the next few weeks. Overall 11 properties have now secured a place in round 1 of the Grant scheme, with most of those properties already having secured planning approval.
Public Art update
The first of the commissioned art works have now been completed by Scott from Snow Graffiti and has had already got lots of people talking on social media about Ashton. The artwork can be found just off Gerard Street (on the side of Andys’ All Day Breakfast)
The remaining commissions include:
- The restoration of a historic advert
- Shutter art gallery
- Another wall mural
- Art work for the market entrance from Gerard Street.
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.