Consultation launches on £135m proposals set to create 600 jobs

Town centre plans

Residents and businesses are being invited to have their say on plans to transform the Galleries Shopping Centre in Wigan town centre.

Proposals are being brought forward to deliver an array of new leisure and hospitality facilities, as well as new, high quality homes.

In recent years, shopping centres like the Galleries have seen a huge decline in footfall as retail moves online. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on major high street retailers, leading to vacant units.

Recognising this increasing trend, Wigan Council purchased the Galleries in 2018 and subsequently appointed Galleries 25 to redevelop the site into a more sustainable destination.

Following extensive market testing and engagement, the vision for the Galleries has been designed to deliver a vibrant place to live, work, play and visit. The proposals will breathe new life into this significant town centre site and provide new homes, leisure facilities and hospitality venues.

The plans include an array of leisure facilities such as an exciting multimedia centre, home to a multi-screen cinema, a 10-lane bowling alley, new food and drink outlets, multi-purpose venue and indoor mini golf. A pavilion off Market Street will be built which will host new food and drink establishments and evening entertainment.

A new market hall will be delivered which will include traditional market stalls, new retail units, co- working spaces, small offices and a contemporary vibrant food hall. Those wishing to enjoy the improved evening economy offer will be able to stay at a new hotel within the site.

The proposals also include 464 new high quality homes ranging from one-bedroom apartments to three-bedroom town houses and retirement living.

The delivery of new homes will provide the opportunity for more people to live and work in Wigan town centre – helping to support the retail and leisure attractions on site.

The proposals will deliver an investment of around £135m which will attract more people to visit and spend their money in Wigan town centre.

More than 600 full time equivalent jobs will be created once the site is operational and further jobs and apprenticeships will be created at the construction stage.

The public consultation will run until Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Due to current social distancing guidelines, the consultation is being run virtually to residents to view the plans and provide feedback safely.

The plans can be viewed on the dedicated consultation website – www.galleries25.com

Details of a public webinar session, where the project team will deliver a presentation on the plans and answer questions, will be available to view. Feedback can be submitted through the online form on the website, or alternatively via email to galleries25@havingyoursay.co.uk or by calling a dedicated community information line on 0333 358 0502 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5.30pm).

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