26/09/2026
CLARENCE ARCADE: A NEW CHAPTER FOR ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE
Victorian elegance with a touch of class. A remarkable piece of Ashton’s heritage, reimagined for a new generation.
Step inside Clarence Arcade and step back in time.
One of Ashton-under-Lyne’s most distinctive heritage buildings is entering an exciting new chapter, one that celebrates its magnificent Victorian character while creating an elegant, vibrant and welcoming destination for the future.
Clarence Arcade is more than a building. It is part of the heart and soul of Ashton-under-Lyne: an architectural gem with a character, atmosphere and history that simply cannot be recreated.
And now, its story is beginning again.
PRESERVING A PIECE OF ASHTON’S HISTORY
Our involvement with Clarence Arcade began when we became aware of an application to convert the corner section of the building into an HMO.
We have always believed that buildings of genuine architectural and historical significance should be cherished, protected and sensitively brought back to life. Places such as Clarence Arcade form part of a town’s identity, and once that heritage is lost, it can never truly be replaced.
We therefore stepped in and secured the corner section of Clarence Arcade.
But our ambitions did not end there.
Our attention soon turned to the adjoining and larger section of the arcade home to a collection of independent retail units. We are delighted to say that an agreement was subsequently reached to secure this part of the building too.
For the first time, this gives us the opportunity to reunite Clarence Arcade and restore the two sections as one destination.
That journey has now begun, with the full vision set to take shape throughout 2027.
THE GRAND OPENING
The first chapter begins on Saturday 31st October, when Clarence Arcade will officially open its doors with a spectacular Halloween programme.
We have some very special attractions and surprises planned for opening day, with full details to be revealed shortly.
Then, almost overnight, the magic changes.
From 1st–4th November, Clarence Arcade will undergo an extraordinary transformation into an enchanting winter wonderland, remaining in place until 6th January.
And this is only the beginning.
During 2027, our plans include the opening of an underground wellness centre. Alongside this, design and planning will continue on the adjoining building before the complete arcade is reunited and opened in its entirety.
The final vision will combine the arcade’s principal shops with an eclectic collection of smaller, Afflecks-style independent retail spaces creating a destination filled with character, discovery and individuality.
OUR VISION FOR CLARENCE ARCADE
Our vision is simple: to create somewhere people genuinely want to spend time.
Clarence Arcade will be a safe, welcoming and beautifully presented destination for all ages, somewhere to shop, meet, eat, drink, relax and be entertained.
We want it to become a sanctuary from the ordinary high street: a place where independent businesses with imagination, personality and exceptional standards can thrive alongside one another.
We also want Clarence Arcade to demonstrate what can be achieved when heritage, enterprise and thoughtful regeneration come together.
Starting an independent business is not easy. Sometimes talented people with brilliant ideas simply need an opportunity and somebody willing to give them a chance.
At Clarence Arcade, that is exactly what we intend to do.
We are proud to be welcoming an exciting collection of independent businesses on this journey with us, and demand for space within the arcade is unprecedented, and we are selective in supporting the right businesses to join us.
Anyone interested in joining the waiting list for future units can contact the Clarence Arcade page directly for further information.
THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS AT CLARENCE ARCADE
This Christmas, something magical is coming to Tameside.
Our ambition is to give local families a truly spectacular festive experience on their doorstep, while creating a Christmas destination capable of attracting visitors to Ashton-under-Lyne from across the UK.
For the festive season, Clarence Arcade will be completely transformed into an immersive Victorian winter wonderland.
Every detail has been carefully considered, and no expense is being spared in creating the experience.
A specialist décor company whose work includes prestigious stores such as Harrods and Selfridges has been hand-selected to create the installation.
At the heart of the arcade, a magnificent six-metre Christmas tree will tower above the foyer.
Beautiful garlands and wreaths will cascade from the balconies. Traditional toy soldiers will line the walkways. The Victorian architecture will provide an extraordinary backdrop to the festivities.
And, yes — it will even snow inside Clarence Arcade.
SATURDAYS WILL FEEL DIFFERENT IN ASHTON
Every Saturday throughout the festive season, Clarence Arcade will come alive with entertainment.
Visitors can expect intimate acoustic performances, live bands, pianists, choirs and miniature concerts, alongside festive film screenings with celebrity guests.
There will be visits from Santa and his reindeer, traditional Punch and Judy shows, storytelling, potion workshops and an extensive programme of family entertainment.
And importantly, we want the magic of Clarence Arcade to be accessible to everyone.
Many of our events and attractions will be completely free, with other experiences kept affordable for families.
Additional entertainment will take place throughout the week, including special evening performances and events, with further announcements coming soon.
A NEW SATURDAY TRADITION
Saturdays in Ashton-under-Lyne are about to change.
Browse beautifully curated independent shops with affordable prices. Discover something you will not find on every other high street. Stop for afternoon tea or enjoy a glass of Prosecco. Listen to live music drifting through the arcade and take in the atmosphere beneath the balconies of one of Ashton’s most remarkable Victorian buildings.
It is about bringing together heritage and modern independent retail; entertainment and hospitality; nostalgia and new ideas.
Clarence Arcade is not simply reopening.
It is being reimagined.
A treasured piece of Ashton’s past, restored with ambition for its future.
Welcome to Clarence Arcade.
Welcome to a new era of Victorian elegance.
