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£21m market vision

Adam Derbyshire
1/ 3/2006

A £21m vision of how the new Ashton market hall will look has been unveiled - and council chiefs say it could be open by Christmas 2007.

The proposals blend the existing features of the original Victorian building with innovative new designs.

Architects have submitted plans which include a new layout for the outdoor market, as well as construction of a high-level translucent canopy above to allow it to trade come rain or shine.

The design also includes an enlarged civic square, especially created to host a range of outdoor events and activities.

Town hall chiefs are expected to approve the application in April, paving the way for work to begin immediately.

Fire tore through the Grade II listed market building in May 2004, destroying everything in its path. The blaze was so fierce it even melted cast iron supports.

Scores of traders were forced to set up stall at the temporary Phoenix Market Hall in Old Cross Street, but shoppers have been reluctant to walk the extra few yards.

Currently the market carcass is surrounded by scaffolding erected to stabilise and secure the red-brick exterior.

Councillor Kieran Quinn, economic chief, said: "This is an exciting and very significant step forward for the council, for the market traders dislodged by the fire and for everyone who misses shopping and socialising in the wonderful old hall.

"The application represents a key milestone in our ambition to not only restore the hall, but also in producing designs to revitalise this part of town."

Cash to rebuild the market hall is in place and further funding is actively being sought to complete the other elements of the scheme.

Councillor Quinn added: "More than 4,000 people visited the consultation marquee last summer and many of them completed questionnaires putting forward their views.

"That shows how important an issue the market is for people. Now we've listened to everyone's comments and suggestions, I'm confident that the public will be pleased by these final plans."


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   WELL! IN THIS MONTH OF JULY TMBC ARE 1ST GOING TO NEED THE FOLLOWING TO CLEAR WHAT THE INSIDE OF THE FIRE RUNINED MARKET HALL AS SEEN FROM THE REAR VIA A GLASS PARTITION NOW LOOKS LIKE BOTH A RUBBISH TIP? AND A WAIST HIGH OVER-GROWN GARDEN? ITS EASY FOR SOMEONE TO THROW PETROL BOMB OVER OF THE SCAFFOLDING AND INSIDE SEEING AS THEIRS NO ROOF? WHATS TO STOP ANY ONE FROM STARTING A NEW FIRE? WHAT WITH BONFIRE NIGHT ONLY 4 MONTHS AWAY THEIR'LL BE PLENTY OF PEOPLE STIL GOT FIREWORK ETC ANY OF THE LAST BON- FIRE NIGHTS OR BUYING THE STUFF ANYWHERE ELSE.I.E THE INTERNET OR EBAY? 1,A VERY LARGE SKIP? 2,SOME GARDENING TOOLS? 3,LAWNMOWERS,SPADES, ARE NEEDED TO CLEAR UP INSIDE BEFORE TMBC START EVEN PLANNING THE LONGER THEY LEAVE IT THE WORST STATE IT WILL BE?
a gosling, ashton under lyne
12/07/2006 at 12:54
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