Wigan Galleries a step closer to regeneration with car park closure

The regeneration of Wigan is set to continue as the Council approved the use of compulsory purchase powers to take control of units in private ownership.

The CPO is expected to pave the way for the mixed-use redevelopment of the Galleries site in Wigan.

Wigan Council bought the Galleries in 2018 for £8m but some private sector land interests within the shopping centre were not included in the acquisition.

Planning permission was granted in November 2021 for the £135m redevelopment of the Galleries Shopping Centre.
The hybrid planning application was submitted jointly by Cityheart and Wigan Council.

Proposals

The regeneration of Wigan proposals also include a new hotel and 464 new high quality homes. These will range from one-bedroom apartments to three-bedroom town houses and retirement living.

The Secretary of State is required to give final sign-off on the CPO. The acquisition of the outstanding units might not complete until March 2023, according to a report to Wigan’s cabinet.

Land Referencing Services

LRS are delighted to be providing Land Referencing Services to the joint venture, which is known as Galleries 25. The scheme won full consent for the demolition of the shopping centre and Wigan Market. This is in addition to the creation of 218 homes across four blocks, a new market building, and a hotel. 

A pavilion that will house a food and beverage establishment and events space also features in the plans. 

The outline elements of the scheme include an additional 265 homes, a multimedia centre, 10,000 sq ft of commercial space, and roughly the same amount of food and beverage accommodation. 

The multimedia centre features a cinema, bowling alley, and multipurpose event space.

Following approval of the scheme, the council began negotiating with private landlords to acquire units in private ownership.

Joint Venture

In December 2020, Wigan Council appointed Galleries25 as their Strategic Development Partner.

The redevelopment aims to provide a vibrant new retail, leisure and residential scheme in the heart of the town centre, with landscaped public realm square and room for 460 car parking spaces.

Warren Taylor, director of Cityheart, 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.

He added: “This scheme will not only attract new visitors to the area, but will also create an engaging community, breathing new life into the area and bringing with it long lasting social and economic benefits.”

Feedback

The leader of Wigan Council, Cllr David Molyneux, welcomed the decision, saying: “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.

“Now, more than ever, it’s vital we do everything we can to create exciting and welcoming town centres to help support our local businesses and jobs. These plans do just that and I certainly can’t wait to see them materialise.”

Cllr David Molyneux, leader of Wigan Council said:

“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.

“Now, more than ever, it’s vital we do everything we can to create exciting and welcoming town centres to help support our local businesses and jobs. These plans do just that and I certainly can’t wait to see them materialise.”