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WELCOME TO
ASHTON SQUARE
At the heart of Ashton-in-Makerfield, on the site of the historic market, a vibrant new square is coming to life. Designed for markets, events and everyday community moments, it’s a place for residents, visitors and local businesses to be part of something truly special.
MADE FOR MEETING
Say hello to your new favourite meeting spot...
A vibrant hub at the heart of Ashton-in-Makerfield, bringing the historic market site back to life.
The square will combine units, greenery and a flexible space for events, markets and everyday community life.
A space for everyone
Designed for residents, visitors and local businesses, the square will host markets, pop-ups, performances, and gatherings - all while complementing existing shops.
Seating, planting and paving will create a welcoming, lively environment for all to enjoy.
£6.6m
Local Regeneration
Fund investment
Historic market
Old site revitalised
for the community
Safer streets
Improvements to
enhance public spaces
Public art
Celebrate local pride
and heritage
Flexible public space
Markets, events, performances
and gatherings
MADE FOR OPPORTUNITY
Apply to be part of Ashton Square - whether you're looking for a permanent base or a more flexible way to trade, test ideas and grow your business.
Permanent space
KIOSK OPERATORS
A chance to create a lasting presence in the heart of Ashton Square.
Our kiosk units are designed for independent businesses, food concepts and local operators ready to put down roots in a prominent new town centre destination.
- Permanent units in a high-visibility location
- Ideal for food, drink, retail and service-led concepts
- Be part of a lively, newly regenerated public square
Flexible trading
MARKET TRADERS
A welcoming way to start small, show up and build momentum.
Ashton Square will host markets, pop-ups and events that create opportunities for traders, makers and independents to meet customers, test ideas and grow their profile.
- Flexible opportunities to trade at markets and events
- A low-risk way to test products and build your audience
- Be part of a destination built around community life
MADE FOR MEMORIES
18th Century
Early Industrial Roots – Metalworking & Craft
Ashton becomes a recognised centre for the manufacture of hinges, locks, files and metalwork during the Industrial Revolution, drawing workers and craftsmen to the area
1800s
Coal Collieries Expand
Ashton sits on the Lancashire Coalfield, with multiple pits and collieries operating across the area, providing employment and shaping the town’s identity as a hardworking mining community.
19th Century
Growing Town
By the late 1800s Ashton’s population grows with the success of coal, weaving, and ironwork industries. Larger factories such as Crompton & Sons employ hundreds, underlining the town’s role in regional making and industry.
Early to Mid-20th Century
Walking Day Traditions
Civic traditions like Walking Day brought Ashton together, with churches, schools and families filling the streets with music, banners and community pride.
Early to Mid-20th Century
Hardworking people
Ashton’s hinge and metalworking factories were a hub of industry, employing generations of skilled local craftsmen and shaping the town’s reputation for hard work and precision.
People make Ashton
Local stories
From the sparks of local blacksmiths echoing through the streets to the bustle of Johnny Morris’s shop, Ashton has always been shaped by the skill, energy and stories of its people.
Market Town
History of local trade
Markets have been a feature of Ashton since a market charter was granted in 1284, and the outdoor market on Garswood Street operated for over a century before its closure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2026
Transformation of the town
As mining and traditional factories gave way to a new era in the mid-1900s, Ashton has embraced change, reclaiming spaces and shaping a vibrant future while celebrating its proud legacy of craft, skill and hard work.