£135m Galleries redevelopment contract signed

Wigan Council and developer, Cityheart, have entered into a legal contract relating to the local authority’s long term plan for the £135m redevelopment of The Galleries shopping centre.

The agreement means that, subject to planning, works can commence in early 2022.

Becca Heron, director of economy and skills at Wigan Council, said: “Though the planning application is yet to be determined, we hope that this step forward reassures the public that we’re serious about transforming our town centre and creating new reasons for people to visit and spend time here.

“We know there is a lot of interest in this project locally and we thank everyone for submitting their views and comments as part of the pre-planning consultation.

“We want to bring people on this journey with us and keeping the public informed about significant milestones and engaging directly with those affected are a key part of that.”

As well as a multi-media centre, retail units and an improved market area, the plans also include a new hotel and 464 new high quality homes ranging from one-bedroom apartments to three-bedroom town houses and retirement living.

Mark McNamee, managing director of Cityheart, said: “We are delighted to have now reached this important landmark in the formal agreement of our partnership with Wigan Council.

“The efficiency with which this has progressed is testament to the council’s commitment to our joint vision for this significant development and we look forward to continuing to work with them going forwards.”

A decision on the planning application is expected in the autmun.