Wigan Council

01/18/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/18/2024 08:57

Give your views ahead of £6.6m regeneration for Ashton-in-Makerfield

Residents, visitors and commuters are being asked to give their views on Ashton-in-Makerfield town centre ahead of regeneration works getting underway.

The #OurFutureAshton plan was awarded £6.6m from a national fund last year, with proposals including a shop front grant, upgraded streets, improvements for cyclists and pedestrians, and exciting plans to bring the historic market square back into use as a public space.

Everyone who lives or works in, commutes through or visits Ashton is being encouraged to give their views on the current town centre.

Councillor David Molyneux MBE, Leader of Wigan Council, said: "These plans were developed in partnership with the local community and we are really looking forward to getting underway.

"By talking to residents, commuters and visitors before we start and again once the works are complete, we will be able to get a real sense of where this investment has had the most impact.

"Much of the preparatory work is already progressing, and it will be great to see boots on the ground, delivering this exciting project for Ashton town centre."

The survey will ask questions around what people think about the town centre now, how safe they feel, what sense of community spirit there is, and more.

Aidan Thatcher, director of place at Wigan Council, said: "By gathering opinions before the regeneration gets underway, and then again following completion, we will be able to evaluate the impact of this investment.

"The plans are centred on the heart of the town centre, including the historic market site, Garswood Street and Gerard Street, and celebrate the town's cultural heritage.

"In partnership with Ashton Innovation Board and others, we are working to deliver the best we can for Ashton, drive up visitor numbers and support existing and new businesses."

The survey is available at Levelling up Ashton Town Centre and closes on Monday 26 February.

There are two drop-in workshops taking place, to support anyone who may have difficulty accessing the survey online. They are on Monday 29 January, 10am-noon and 1pm-3pm at Ashton Leisure Centre, and Monday 12 February, 10am-noon and 12.30pm-2pm, at Ashton Library.

Posted on Thursday 18th January 2024