POTENTIAL investors and developers will be given a tour of areas of economic progression in a bid to further improve the borough.

Members of the Wigan Forward Board have taken the tour to see the wide range of development currently take place and find out about exciting opportunities for growth in the future.

And the scheduled tour for investors and developers on Wednesday, September 14, has already attracted significant interest.

The tour takes in the Parsonage development site and the housing development of Pennington Wharf in Leigh, as well as the developments in North Leigh Park and Pocket Nook in Lowton.

Richard Waterfield, chairman of Wigan Forward Board, said: “The tour was fascinating. I learnt so much about what was happening right across the borough.

“It really underlined how much is going on, from employment sites to housing and leisure and retail developments.

“We have a great offer in the borough and are ready and prepared to welcome future investors from across the region, nationally and internationally to help drive our economy forward and create jobs and prosperity for our residents.”

The retail park on the site of the former Parsonage Colliery has attracted top high street names to Leigh, employs 700 people and has 65,000 car visits a week.

The next stage of the development will lead to 150 new homes, a business park and a new food store.

The housing development of Pennington Wharf on the former Bickershaw colliery site will create 470 high quality, sustainable and spacious homes by the side of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal as well as a new marina.

It will also feature a café and community centre.

North Leigh Park extends to 75 hectares and has planning permission for 1,800 homes, 51,000 square metres of employment space, a local centre with retail and community use and a new link road from Leigh Road to Atherleigh Way.

Pocket Nook next to the East Lancashire Road in Lowton will provide 29 hectares of employment land, including provision for the HS2 rail line.

It could also provide up to 350 new homes and a new road through the site.

Other developments on the tour include the South Lancs Industrial Estate in Bryn and Wigan's Pier Centre, Pier Quarter and Westwood Park.

If you would like to be on the tour in September call 01942 489190 or e-mail business@wigan.gov.uk.