New images of the proposed 440,000 sq ft Wigan development have been released – a £130m plan designed to breath life into the centre of town.
Back in 2018, Wigan Council bought the town centre Galleries Shopping Centre from Luxembourg-based firm Colcastor, part of an emerging development trend whereby councils are increasingly taking ownership of ageing retail assets before teaming up with the private sector to redevelop them.
Last year the Council announced a new joint venture partnership between Cityheart and Beijing Construction Engineering Group International – Galleries25.
The proposal includes a hotel, 464 residential units, a market hall, co-working space and offices, a landscaped public realm square and a “re-animated” Makinson Arcade.
Set to be completed in 2025, the leisure facilities include a cinema, bowling alley, multipurpose venue and indoor mini-golf. A purpose-built pavilion off Market Street would provide new food and drink establishments as well as evening entertainment.
The new Market Hall would include traditional market stalls, retail units, co-working spaces, small offices and a food hall.
The 464 homes will range from one-bedroom apartments to three-bedroom town houses and retirement living.
The plans have always been aimed as a redevelopment opportunity that will look to create a “vibrant new heart in the town centre”. What do you think?
