Wigan seeks market operator for Ashton-in-Makerfield
Looking to put £6.6m of funding to work, the council has launched its hunt for a firm to run a market at the heart of a revitalised town centre.
Wigan Council has now published an expression of interest notice, with the purpose of conducting pre-market engagement with potential interested parties to partner with at Ashton Square.
Lead consultant for the project is Gillespies, which was picked to progress the project’s development and design of public realm and the new Ashton Square, a destination to be developed on part of the Garswood Street car park, at the site of the town’s historic market.
The local authority has secured £6.6m to deliver a programme of investment that will enhance the offer and environment within the town centre, support existing and new businesses, improve connectivity and create community space.
The funding was announced in the spring 2023 Budget, after missing out in the previous round of Levelling Up Fund allocations.
Expressions of interest are wanted before 7 March. As set out on the Proactis portal, the selected operator/place manager will:
- Work with the council and the council’s design team to finalise plans for the layout of Ashton Square, including the balance, mix and size options for the permanent and temporary stalls
- Work with the council to build interest and excitement in the opening of the new Market Square during the construction period
- Hold an opening launch event
- Hold markets on a weekly basis at least three, or ideally four days per week, with occasional evening and weekend events.
- Run campaigns and host events (e.g. Fair Trade, food and live events) within the new Market Square to improve the offer during the day and to consider options around expansion of future evening offer
- Hold innovative monthly themed events, centred on local producers and crafts, and opportunities for community groups or events etc
- Manage the Market Square area and occupiers on a day-to-day basis
The operator will also be expected to carry out all the administrative tasks associated with markets, such as trader liaison, repairs, maintenance and cleaning of the site, fee collections, dealing with utilities and refuse and recycling, along with leading on security and health & safety.
As well as improvements to the historic market site to give it the capacity for a range of uses, the Ashton funding will contribute towards improvements to business premises and shop fronts, helping to reduce vacant and under-used space and creating a welcoming atmosphere in general.
Arts trails and improved lighting around the town centre are part of the plans, along with making streets more attractive, greener and safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Creative Heritage was appointed to work with the council on the building grant scheme in 2023, with Minerva Heritage also advising on arts.
Full details on registering expressions of interest can be found at the Proactis portal.
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I would welcome the return of Ashton market
By Katherine
to wigan councillors Ashton needs to be cleaned instead of some ridiculous market
By seth
All well and good but what happens to the parking. How are people going to use the health centre.
By Anonymous
Need to put more into getting some proper shops
By Anonymous
I don’t think we need a market. We have enough shops and supermarkets in Ashton to provide everything that people need at competitive prices.
Before the old market finished a few years ago it was not really any cheaper or better quality than existing retailers. We also have markets close by such as Earlstown, Warrington etc. We should continue using that area as a car park as it is flat with no potholes mud etc. We should ensure it is safe with monitored CCTV. to prevent vandalism as all CCTV cameras in Ashton should be operational and monitored. We need to clamp down on the Rif – Raf element causing havoc and misery in neighborhoods and communities around Ashton ensuring property, vehicles and people are protected. Let’s try to encourage retail businesses to come into Ashton that we don’t have but need such as a shoe shop, tailor/ fashion shop etc.
Make Ashton better and safer.
By Robert Johnson
Excellent idea ! A good market is needed locally as st Helens has nothing
By Anonymous
Love this idea! Brilliant for the town!
By Lisa
Will additional car parking be included to cater for all the extra visitors expected to the market?
Would consideration be given to revert back to limited parking on Gerard Street as in the 1980s? – suggested fir 1 hour.
Back then, parking was allowed on one side of Gerard Street per day.
That is for example, parking allowed on the right side of the street on EVEN dates and then parking on the left side if the Street on ODD days.
It did work!
By Gillian Napier
Fantastic illustration!
By Anonymous
When is Wigan Council going to do the same for Hindley as they have never spent a penny in this town
By Anonymous
Hoorah what fab news- Ashton-in- makerfield needs to have our market back. Good luck.
By Anonymous
Sounds great idea all the improvements for the town but wbat about problem of car
parking . Tgecar parks now full most of the time with worjers and people going to the health centre for appointments.
By Anonymous
Brilliant news a market back in Ashton can’t wait
By Anonymous
My own view is that outdoor market’s such as the one proposed is outdated. Ashton in Makerfield is already well served with supermarkets. I would also have concerns about the area at evening’s and nights when not in use. They can be a magnet for anti social elements drug dealers etc. I would use the money to clean up the town. Get CCTV working properly and ensure that it is a green, clean, attractive and safe place to visit.
By Paul Martin