New traders revealed for Ashton Market Square transformation

A tantalising line up of traders are set to open their doors in Ashton’s newly transformed Market Square.

The square, which is in its final stage of works before its official reopening this autumn, has undergone a multi-million pound makeover to turn it into a welcoming community space and visitor destination.

It will include ten permanent trading kiosks while also enabling more flexible use of the market ground for a bustling blend of traditional and specialist markets – including the return of the general Ashton Outdoor Market - and cultural events. This includes the popular new monthly Ashton Artisan Market, Super Saturday events with free family activities and seasonal showcases such as the Christmas lantern parade.

Traders confirmed for the new vibrant and contemporary kiosks in the square include Oppa Kitchen, Royal Bagel by Danish Bakes, Mamma Julie’s, Its.2.say,Market Grounds Coffee, Naanwich, Wilson’s Fruit and Veg Ltd, and Alf’s Key and Shoe Repairs.

The two remaining kiosks will operate slightly differently - more details will be revealed soon.

The exciting line-up brings together a mix of familiar faces from Ashton Market alongside new independent businesses, offering everything from street food and fresh produce to everyday services.

There are further details on each trader here:

Oppa Kitchen - bringing the vibrant flavours of Japanese and Korean street food to Ashton

Royal Bagel by Daish Bakes - serving up freshly made bagels, salads and lunches, alongside a range of Scandinavian-inspired cakes

Mamma Julie’s - freshly made breakfast, lunch and homemade specials, including breakfast balms, smash burgers, pizzas and hot dogs

Its.2.say - offering a unique range of gifts and cards for every occasion

Market Grounds – Over 50 varieties of coffee beans, loose teas and vintage cordials as well as freshly baked cakes and treats

Naanwich - freshly made naan bread sandwiches, premium donner kebabs, grilled chicken, loaded fries, burgers, wraps and more

Wilson’s Fruit & Veg – fresh produce and seasonal plants

Alf’s Key and Shoe Repairs – trading in Ashton for 37 years, providing reliable, valued service

As well as offering new trading space, the square has been redesigned to be more welcoming and easier to get around, with more seating, enhanced lighting, artwork, greenery, hand-rails, bins, more open space and increased capacity for events throughout the year. The aim is to create a destination where people want to spend time – not just shop – helping to support a busier and more vibrant town centre throughout the day and evening.

The project – which has taken on board feedback from businesses, residents and other stakeholders and has been funded by Government Levelling Up money - forms part of wider investment in Ashton town centre, including plans to enhance nearby shopping and leisure areas and strengthen the local economy.

Tameside Council Executive Leader Cllr Eleanor Wills said: “This is an exciting time for Ashton and this fantastic line up of traders will bring even more value to the expanding offer in the town. The enthusiastic take up of the new kiosks by quality, independent traders demonstrates the confidence the business community has in Ashton town centre and the opportunity this transformation brings.

“We’re building on the town’s strong market tradition while creating a space that works better for residents, businesses and visitors today – bringing people into the town and giving them multiple reasons to want to visit and spend time here.

“The countdown to the square reopening is on and I’m looking forward to the opportunities it will bring to the local community.”

Memuna, owner of Royal Bagel by Danish Bakes, said: “There is a real sense of change happening in Ashton. It’s great to be part of it and we’re looking forward to welcoming customers when we open.”

Tameside’s Spring Family Festival, held in April, gave residents an early glimpse of how the new square can be used as a space for events. It attracted strong attendance, highlighting the level of local interest in the transformation. Construction is now nearing completion, with the square expected to open in the autumn.

More information will be shared via Tameside Council’s website and social media channels.