Multimillion-pound funding for new market revealed

Cllr David Molyneux

A multimillion-pound budget has been earmarked to reinvigorate Wigan’s market.

Council bosses have pledged the investment as part of wider regeneration plans in the town centre.

A total of £4m will be set aside for a new, attractive and vibrant facility.

A number of short-term measures to improve the existing market hall – many of which have been requested by traders – are also under way.

Council leader, Cllr David Molyneux, said: “Wigan Market is a key part of the town and its history.

“In line with our commitment to working openly with traders we want to improve the market offer so it can thrive in the future.

“A range of options are available for a new market as part of The Galleries redevelopment project and this £4m is a significant investment.”

The council is currently in the process of finding a development partner for The Galleries with the ambitious plans aimed at providing a retail, residential and leisure offer.

One of the proposals for the market under consideration is to re-locate it to a more central and accessible area in the town centre.

It is anticipated that a preferred partner will be identified in 2020 with development agreements finalised in 2021.

The council recognises that the redevelopment will take time, so a number of measures will be taken to improve the current facilities in the interim period.

These include painting vacant units, adding extra seating, high-level cleaning, providing additional signage, hosting themed markets and the installation of WiFi.

One of the long-term proposals for the market is to re-locate it to a more central and accessible area in the town centre.

Throughout November, as part of a general Wigan town centre regeneration survey, residents and visitors were invited to give their views on that proposal.

Cllr Molyneux said: “It’s really important to us that the public are engaged on our plans so we can ensure we deliver an offer that they can be proud of.

“It’s also imperative that we work with traders on this, too, which is why a trader liaison group has been established to ensure market representatives can give us their views on what would make a good market and help us to shape our plans as they develop.”

When compared with other markets in the North West, Wigan has some of the cheapest rents.

Currently, the hall is located between New Market Street and The Galleries Shopping Centre.

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