Major step forward for revamp of Wigan regeneration scheme
A deal has been struck which has seen plans for the redevelopment of Wigna’s former Galleries site take a major step forward.
Developer Cityheart and Wigan Council have signed agreements enabling contractor Galliford Try to deliver the first phases of construction work.
Galliford Try will start work in mid-October following directly on from the large-scale demolition and site investigation works already completed by BCEGI and PP O’Connor.
The agreement means construction can start immediately for the new 90,000sqft market hall, located in the heart of the town centre.
Earlier this year Hampton by Hilton was announced as one of the first occupiers at the development, signing up for a 144-bed hotel.
Cllr David Molyneux, leader of Wigan Council, said: “The new market hall is at the heart of the project and set to be the first new building to open. Wigan is a traditional market town, receiving its Royal Charter in the 13th century. This development will bring our market into the 21st century, creating a vibrant, modern and thriving space for our traders and visitors to the town, ensuring it has a strong and exciting future with a lot of job opportunities for people both during and after construction.”
Darren Jones, development director for Cityheart, added: “We are delighted to be working with Galliford Try to bring forward the next stage of redevelopment at this transformational Wigan Galleries site. We are progressing the delivery of the site in various phases in accordance with the planning consents we have secured. Throughout the phased development and once the scheme is complete the focus will be on community wealth building with job opportunities for local businesses and residents. We’re proud to be part of delivering a destination which will enhance the offer in Wigan town centre and bolster the economy in the borough for many years to come.
“The complete scheme is set to create circa 660 full-time jobs generating Gross Value Add (GVA) impacts of £26.5m per year. During the first phase of demolition, jobs apprenticeships and training placements were provided for local people through projects with Wigan Youth Zone and Wigan and Leigh College.
