Work is now well underway on the former Ashton Market Square site in Tameside, with Buttress Architects leading on the architectural design of the new development which is due to complete in March 2026. Buttress is supporting the team from Tameside Council, as part of the wider design and construction team who are already working on the site.
The works are part of the improvement to the public realm space which Buttress designed in collaboration with Planit. The new design includes a series of softer, greener gateway spaces leading to the central Market Square - a high quality, welcoming setting for the Grade II listed market hall, town hall and library with the new market canopy as its centrepiece.
The vision is to revitalise the town centre of Ashton, with the Market Square comprising of 10 bespoke retail food and beverage kiosks with space for at least 90 outdoor market stalls, including 44 stalls situated under a giant canopy over 1700m2 in size. The canopy will serve as a flexible space for a range of uses to include cultural activities, civic events and more. Additionally, there will be a range of seating and play opportunities, helping to animate the Market Square on a day-to-day basis.
The scheme is designed to reflect the town’s traditional market qualities and community spirit that is fitting for modern-day trading and outdoor events and activities. . The new design captures the colourful essence of Ashton, highlighting and celebrating its history and unique assets.
Paul Hobson, senior architect at Buttress said:
“We are super excited work is well underway on site which heralds the start of this exciting transformation of the heart of Ashton. This area of the town is known for its heritage and rich character and our designs for the new market square draw upon this. It is an exciting milestone for Ashton which will transform Market Square for generations to come.”
Anna Marohn, principal landscape architect, at Planit commented:
“We’re delighted that the regeneration works at Ashton Market Square are progressing. Planit engaged in extensive consultation with local residents, market traders, and stakeholders at the very beginning of the project to ensure that our new designs would work for them.
“Highlighting the heritage of the market, town hall and library buildings and creating more space in the square, to support a programme of entertainment, cultural events, and play for children, has also been integral to the new streetscape.
“We want to encourage day and evening activity for the entire community and make the space more inclusive and welcoming. Climate resilience measures, including the introduction of nature-based rain-gardens and tree pits, will manage surface water and protect against flooding. Additionally, the inclusion of edible plants will provide a direct link to the market traders, creating opportunities for the community to engage with locally grown, sustainable produce.”
Paul Hobson
Paul is a Senior Architect with experience across the commercial, healthcare and residential sectors.
His design approach is one that is born from a respectful understanding of a building’s unique context and history, balanced with the inherent need for sustainable conservation and regeneration of urban and landscape environments.
Kimberley Corrall
Kimberley is an associate at Buttress who works within the practice's heritage team, specialising in projects that have a strong community emphasis.