Pride in Place: Ashton-under-Lyne
£20 million. 10 years. A stronger Ashton – shaped by you.
Ashton-under-Lyne is set for a transformative decade as part of the Government’s Pride in Place Programme, bringing major investment, regeneration, community celebrations, and safer, stronger neighbourhoods across the town.
About Pride in Place
Pride in Place is a national programme designed to revitalise communities through long‑term investment, safer streets, improved public spaces and stronger local
engagement. Ashton has been selected as one of the 95 areas benefiting from this initiative, receiving £19.53 million to support a 10‑year regeneration plan and a four‑year investment strategy.
Across Tameside as a whole, the programme represents a £41 million boost, including £20 million allocated specifically to Ashton-under-Lyne.
A vision for Ashton’s future
Following the funding allocation, Ashton’s Neighbourhood Board and Tameside Council have outlined an ambitious vision focused on:
- Regenerating the town centre
- Improving health, employment and education outcomes
- Tackling deprivation and strengthening community wellbeing
- Enhancing access to skills, training and better job opportunities
Community consultations have already gathered over 200 improvement ideas from local residents and groups, helping shape the long‑term plan.
Who’s leading this?
The Ashton Neighbourhood Board, made up of local residents, business leaders, community organisers and councillors is guiding this work. They represent your voice and will shape the regeneration of Ashton based on what matters most.
Investment timeline
The Pride in Place programme runs over three national investment periods from 2026 to 2036, with each area receiving up to £20 million in flexible funding.
- 2026–2030
- 2030–2033
- 2033–2036
This structure ensures sustained improvements, community involvement, and long-term planning.
What’s happening in Ashton in 2026
The first allocation of Ashton’s Pride in Place funding is delivering a packed programme of events to celebrate the town’s culture, boost footfall and support local businesses.
2026 Events programme includes:
- Amazing Ashton (21 March) – Live music, comedy, and family activities.
- Sci‑Fi Celebration (2 May) – A themed event featuring character appearances.
- Independent Business Awards (July) – Celebrating Ashton’s traders.
- Dinosaur Show (8 August) – Interactive family entertainment.
- Heritage Day (19 September) – Showcasing local history.
- Small Business Saturday (5 December) – Festive activities supporting local shops.
These events coincide with the reopening of the redeveloped Ashton Market Square, a major milestone in the town’s regeneration.
A community‑led transformation
Pride in Place is about investing not only in buildings and streets, but in community identity, safety and pride:
- The programme supports safer streets and improved public spaces.
- It strengthens local heritage and cultural identity.
- It ensures businesses, residents and grassroots groups are directly involved in shaping Ashton’s future.
Key documents – read related reports
Get involved
We want you to be part of the journey! Get in touch with the team to find out more.