Construction works to commence at Wigan's former Galleries shopping centre site following agreement signing.

Construction works to commence at Wigan's former Galleries shopping centre site following agreement signing.

Developer, Cityheart Ltd, and Wigan Council have signed agreements allowing Principal Contractor Galliford Try to deliver the first phases of construction work at the former Galleries site in Wigan Town Centre. Galliford Try will start work in mid-October 2024, 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. Alongside commencing delivery of the New Market Hall, Galliford Try will also undertake ground and enabling works across the wider site to progress the next phases of the new mixed-use neighbourhood.

Earlier this year Hampton by Hilton were announced as one of the first occupiers at the development, signing up for a 144-bed hotel. A series of Meet the Buyer events have also been held for local businesses to find out how they can get involved with the project and to ensure that Wigan borough businesses benefit from the contracts and investments that are being made.

Councillor David Molyneux MBE, 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.

Darren Parker, Managing Director for Galliford Try Building North West, commented: “We are pleased to be getting under way with this initial construction phase of the Wigan Galleries project and look forward to working with all the stakeholders involved to deliver social value back into the local community and support Wigan’s investment.”