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'A modern gateway to Ashton town centre'

Tameside Council is set to take over the management of the St Petersfield development area to accomplish the vision of a town centre business park for innovation and tech firms, residential, leisure and other uses.

The cabinet has approved entering into a new management agreement with St Petersfield tenants to bring improvements to the area in Ashton.

A masterplan and a market appraisal are under way to 'ensure that St Petersfield fulfils its potential as a destination in its own right', a council spokesperson said. 

A budget of £20,000 has also been approved to improve the condition of public realm areas in the interim. 

Work will include the clearance of overgrown vegetation and shrubbery, plus tree maintenance and cutting of grassed areas.

St Petersfield is designated as an established employment area and the scheme is aimed at improving job opportunities, workspaces, infrastructure and more.

Part of the aim is to create a modern, tailored development that can provide a hub for the growth of the digital, creative and tech sector in the borough. 

The work will incorporate and build on the success and council investment in the recently completed Ashton Old Baths which is now a home to innovative, creative industries and small businesses.

The installation of a Dark Fibre network into the area, and the completion of a Data Centre in Ashton Old Baths, ensures Tameside’s digital connectivity is unrivalled across Greater Manchester and just outside the top ten places nationally. 

With transport links to Manchester and Leeds digital hubs, the council hopes this strategic connectivity means the area can help Tameside take advantage of the growth of an industry that Greater Manchester is already at the forefront of.

Councillor Oliver Ryan, Executive Member for Growth and Finance, said: “Taking on the responsibility for the maintenance and services, upkeep of roads and public realm, ongoing streetscape services and car parks, will enable the council to take control of the future provision of the site and provide a high quality public realm that meets the requirements and needs of existing and future tenants. 

“Coupled with the ongoing work on an emerging masterplan for St Petersfield, this is an exciting time for Tameside. 

“A development prospectus will be published with the aim of attracting new developments of the very highest quality along with new businesses and activity to help to revitalise the area.

“St Petersfield’s digital connectivity is of the highest level and this is the next step in achieving a high quality destination and hub for the creative and tech sector that will bring in high-wage job opportunities and create a modern gateway into Ashton Town Centre.”

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