Major investments totalling millions of pounds are driving exciting projects
across our borough.
They’re transforming our town centres, creating innovation, jobs and opportunities meaning an exciting future is on the horizon.
Here is the latest on some of the biggest projects - led by Wigan Council or by partners, striving to make our borough a great place to live, work, study, invest and visit.
For more information visit: www.wigan.gov.uk/Council/Projects
Our Future Ashton
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The £6.6m Our Future Ashton Project, funded by central government, will see exciting improvements to Ashton town centre.
The project will create a new public square with market stalls, introduce greenery and public realm improvements, as well as public art and enhanced shop frontages.
What’s the latest?
Public consultation has been taking place during 2024, ensuring residents, visitors, business owners and other stakeholders have their say, which is a crucial part of the plans.
What will I see next?
Publication of the detailed plans are scheduled for the first half of 2025 ahead of construction works getting underway to deliver the restored and revitalised public space
Cotton Works
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Wigan-based regeneration specialists, the Heaton Group, have launched a masterplan for its £180m regeneration of the 17-acre Eckersley Mill site now known as “Cotton Works” in Wigan as an office, leisure and residential complex.
What’s the latest?
With Historic England support, this sensitive conversion of Mill One will transform it into a thriving complex that is perfect for 21st century work.
What will I see next?
Mill One at ‘The Cotton Works’ will see a food hall and tap room opening on the site next spring, with the upper three floors to
be used as offices which will be topped off with a roof top bar and function space.
Updates at: The Cotton Works
Leigh town centre
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More than £32m is set to be invested in Leigh town
centre over the next decade, including the Market Hall, Civic Square, grants for shopfronts and general public realm improvement projects.
What’s the latest?
We have been out talking to local people about their ideas to improve Civic Square, supporting local businesses to apply for shopfront and building grants, and exploring ideas to create more space for pedestrian and cyclists on the town centre road network. Separately, the council has supported the independently chaired Leigh Town Board to understand the community’s priorities for spending £20m Long Term Plan for Towns funding.
What will I see next?
Works on several schemes are set to get underway next year; keep an eye on the council’s social media for updates.
The Leigh Town Board will be refining proposals for the investment they are leading to reflect new government guidance and gearing up to work closely with community.
Civic
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Capital & Centric is spearheading the
transformation of the former council office in Wigan into new town centre workspaces.
What’s the latest?
Works are well underway and it’s set to open in 2025 with lots of features including a coffee shop, mini cinema, a
rooftop terrace and office space designed for exciting start-ups and small businesses.
What will I see next?
As the renovations to the building continue, prospective tenants for the office spaces are being encouraged to get in touch. The first workspaces are set to open in 2025. For more information, visit www.capitalandcentric.com/civic
The former Galleries
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This £135m redevelopment will bring new shops, bars, restaurants, cinema, bowling alley, climbing wall, over 400 new homes, a Hilton hotel and more to Wigan town centre.
What’s the latest?
Cityheart and Galliford Try are now building the new 90,000 sqft market hall and rapidly progressing plans for further construction phases.
What will I see next?
Works are well underway for the New Market Hall, bringing employment activity and a variety of trades to the town. See our social media channels for a fly-through of the redevelopment plans.