Planning approved for £135M redevelopment of Wigan shopping centre

Cityheart has been granted planning permission for its £135M redevelopment of the Galleries Shopping Centre in Wigan town centre.

The plans include detailed and outline proposals covering an array of leisure facilities including a multimedia centre, which will be home to a multi-screen cinema, a ten-lane bowling alley, new food and drink outlets, multi-purpose venue and indoor mini golf.

A purpose-built pavilion off Market Street will provide new food and drink establishments and evening entertainment, while a market hall will be delivered, which will include traditional market stalls, new retail units, co-working spaces, small offices and a contemporary food hall.

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

Cityheart Director Warren Taylor said: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission for this important scheme, which will help to significantly rejuvenate the heart of Wigan town centre.  

“By working with our appointed contractor, BCEGi, Wigan Council and the local community, we look forward to realising our vision and delivering a vibrant new destination for the town centre with green outdoor spaces and stunning buildings.”

The Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux, commented: “The plan for the Galleries very much reflects the feedback we got from residents about the importance of vibrant town centres during the Big Listening Project in 2018 and more recent consultations.

“We will continue to work with existing businesses in the town centre to manage any disruption during the construction and will continue to work together to ensure their views are heard and taken on board.”

Work is due to start on site in January next year. Over 600 full time jobs will be created once the site is operational and further jobs and apprenticeships will be created during the construction stage.