A NEW look Turnpike Centre has been designed at the centre of £8.5m regeneration plans to change the face of Leigh town centre.

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), MP Andy Burnham and Wigan Council have agreed a new vision for the redevelopment of the Turnpike Centre in Leigh.

The aim is a phased re-modelling and extension of the Turnpike Centre to create a community hub incorporating library, art gallery and theatre.

The Turnpike’s expanded facilities would hopefully provide space for a training centre to help people gain new skills and increase job prospects.

The NWDA has committed £50,000 for planning and feasibility work and next month a team of regeneration specialists will be appointed.

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the NWDA, said: “The NWDA is keen to explore options for the social and economic regeneration of Leigh and to capitalise on the key role the Turnpike Centre can play in this.

“Leigh town centre has the potential to make a greater contribution to the local economy.”

In order to bring forward the first phase of redevelopment the NWDA will commit in principle, subject to standard appraisal procedures, £1.5million in 2010/11 financial year and a further £1.5million in 2011/12.

Wigan Council has also indicated in principle that it will commit to supporting the initial phase, with further funding in subsequent years from a range of other partners.

To achieve all aspirations of the partners will cost around £8.5million for all three phases, and investment will be sought.

Andy Burnham said: “Going forward, one of the ways to bring people back into Leigh is by offering exciting music and arts events at a modern venue.

“The Turnpike Centre is one of our best potential assets and I have long called for its re-development with the addition of a performance space.

Council Leader Peter Smith said: “The Turnpike Centre is a venue that we are justly proud of and we want to make it even better.

"The council and its partners have been at the forefront of bringing major regeneration opportunities to our communities over the past few years.

“A prime example of this would be the Leigh Sports Village. Now what better to complement a world-class sports venue than a world-class arts venue?”

Both NWDA and Wigan Council have worked together to draw up a Masterplan for Leigh which aims to deliver better public transport, improved public spaces, and greater access between the town centre and Leigh Sports Village.

The Masterplan's four priorities are: The Civic Quarter; the centre piece would be the refurbishment of the Turnpike Centre and some public space improvements around the town square as well as in increased focus on events.

The Eastern Gateway; proposals for the Leigh, Salford, Manchester guided busway as well as improvements to the gateways to Leigh and traffic management.

The Retail Heart, revitalisation of the shopping offer in the town centre, as well as proposals to improve the indoor market and public spaces.

South of the Centre, improving the potential for new employment in the town including a new mixed use scheme proposed for part of the Bridgewater business park.