Transport‑led regeneration paves way for good growth in Tameside

Transport-led regeneration is becoming a defining feature of Tameside’s strategy to deliver good growth, development that is sustainable, inclusive, and rooted in long-term placemaking, writes Nicola Elsworth of Tameside Council.

This is underpinned by over £100m in public sector investment and significant private sector contributions to accelerate regeneration across the borough.

Major schemes are demonstrating how investment is driving innovation and delivering housing at scale to help realise Tameside’s long‑term future. By improving movement, connectivity, and the public realm, the borough aims to create thriving, future‑ready communities.

Putting transport at the heart

Tameside Council has made clear that physical development alone will not achieve the borough’s ambitions. Regeneration must be supported by improved connectivity that opens access to jobs, homes, and essential services. This philosophy underpins the proposed Ashton and Stalybridge Mayoral Development Corporation, spanning Ashton Moss, Guide Bridge, St Petersfield, Ashton town centre, and Stalybridge. The MDC is expected to deliver over 2,000 jobs, 3,000 homes, and 1.6m sq ft of employment space, driven by investment in modern transport infrastructure and enhanced movement corridors.

These upgrades aim to strengthen accessibility, encourage active travel, and boost investor confidence in the borough’s long-term potential. Central to this progress is Ashton’s emergence as Greater Manchester’s first Bee Network‑connected Hub, placing the town at the forefront of integrated, sustainable regional transport.

Ashton Market Square designs. Credit: Tameside Council

Ashton: connectivity driving development

In Ashton town centre, there is significant potential to capitalise on the town’s excellent tram, train, bus and active travel connections by investing in an enhanced transport hub that fully integrates movement within the heart of the town centre. This ambition aligns with the role of the Ashton and Stalybridge Mayoral Development Corporation, which will deliver a new Integrated Transport Hub forming a critical component of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, the UK’s first fully integrated system for bus, tram, rail and active travel outside London. The Hub will create a modern, seamless interchange between rail, Metrolink and Bee Network bus services, supported by high‑quality walking and cycling links and the introduction of contactless “tap in, tap out” fares from December 2026.

These improvements strengthen Ashton’s position as the first Bee Network‑connected Hub, enhancing reliability, simplicity and access across the city‑region. They will also act as a catalyst for higher development densities around this key node. With current capacity to deliver around 2,500 homes in Ashton, fully integrating the station into the town centre could increase this potential to more than 3,000 homes while supporting stronger investor confidence and creating a high‑quality gateway to the town.

Regeneration efforts also include extensive enhancements to walking and cycling routes, alongside landmark projects such as the transformation of Market Square and the restoration of the Town Hall. Together, these initiatives will reinforce Ashton as a place where people want to spend time, with revitalised public spaces that support increased footfall and a more vibrant local economy.

Stalybridge West proposals. Credit: Tameside Council

Stalybridge: town centre renewal

The council’s transport‑led approach is equally evident in Stalybridge, where plans for a new footbridge across the River Tame will create direct pedestrian links between new residential neighborhoods. The proposed residential development will be just a few minutes’ walk from Stalybridge railway station, which offers rapid connections to Manchester (approximately 12 minutes) and Leeds (around 40 minutes). This strategic proximity enhances the town’s appeal for commuters and supports wider economic growth.

A proposed multi-storey car park will expand capacity to support a growing population and new commercial activity, unlocking more sites and opportunities. These upgrades sit within a wider masterplan to revitalise key spaces including Corporation Street, Grosvenor Square, and Market Street. Improved connectivity will enable the delivery of up to 400 homes, support town centre vitality, and reinforce Stalybridge as a walkable, well‑connected community.

A connected strategy for the future

This vision for embedding the core principles of good growth will set a new benchmark for transport led regeneration for the UK

Tameside’s emerging Local Plan reflects the borough’s wider commitment to making mobility a foundation of its regeneration strategy. Its key growth locations are all supported by planned transport improvements designed to unlock new housing, employment land, and development opportunities.

Through its focus on transport-led regeneration, Tameside is shaping places that are more equitable, more sustainable, and better connected.

With major schemes accelerating across Ashton, Stalybridge and the wider borough, Tameside is not only emerging as a regional leader in transport‑led regeneration but is setting its sights on becoming a national exemplar for ambitious, future‑ready place‑making. By pairing large‑scale public and private investment with bold innovation and a long‑term commitment to inclusive growth, the borough is positioning itself to deliver transformational change that raises opportunity, attracts talent, and creates communities that thrive for decades to come.

• Nicola Elsworth is director of strategic growth at Tameside Council