Tameside Council is preparing to launch the search for a development partner to deliver the transformation of Ashton town centre.
The Ashton Mayoral Development Zone (AMDZ) is a strategic initiative led by Tameside Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to regenerate Ashton-under-Lyne.
The regeneration programme for the AMDZ will unlock up to 2,400 new homes,12.5 hectares of commercial space and new public realm.
A report is due to be presented to the council’s executive cabinet next week and if the vision and spatial framework is endorsed, it will guide the Ashton Regeneration Partnership and set the stage for a comprehensive redevelopment programme.
The council aims to appoint a developer partner by spring 2026, forming a collaborative partnership through a master development agreement. Consideration is being given to whether the scope of the developer partner should be widened to include opportunities in Droylsden Town Centre, in line with the Droylsden masterplan framework.
Andrew McLaren, deputy leader (growth, housing and homelessness) at Tameside Council, said: “A development partner for Ashton will help accelerate our vision and plans for the town already underway through the Ashton Mayoral Development Zone. By linking together key sites and opportunities both public and private, we’re creating a stronger foundation for growth.
“The council will be using an open market competitive flexible procedure to select a suitable developer, assisted by advisers CBRE. We are looking to work with developers who have a proven record for delivering large scale schemes within Greater Manchester and know the difficulties that they faced to bring schemes forward. We are excited to share our plans and the opportunities available.”
Adam White, executive director in CBRE’s UK development advisory team, added: “We are incredibly excited to kick off the soft market testing process and begin the search for a developer partner to join the council and its partners in shaping Ashton’s future. This is a pivotal moment, building on years of strategic planning and the strong foundation laid by the Ashton Mayoral Development Zone.
“We’re confident that with the right developer partner, we can unlock significant opportunities for investment and create lasting value for the residents of Tameside. We look forward to working with a partner who shares our ambition and commitment to delivering a truly transformative regeneration.”
