THE Council have submitted three Levelling Up bids to regenerate areas across the borough.

Proposals have been put forward for Wigan, Leigh and Ashton town centres, with the hope of securing funding from the government to transform each area.

The Council have confirmed that a bid of £11.4m has been submitted for Leigh, which looks to revamp Civic Square, enhance town centre shop fronts, and refurbish Leigh Market.

Projects to improve road safety and community spaces have also been prioritised to create a "more welcoming environment for shoppers and visitors".

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Leigh Journal: An illustration of a revamped Civic Square (Pic: Wigan Council)An illustration of a revamped Civic Square (Pic: Wigan Council) (Image: Wigan Council)

However, as the bid is not for the full £20m available for local authorities, the proposals have drawn criticism for not being more ambitious with their regeneration projects.

Leigh MP James Grundy has not given his support to the Levelling Up project in his constituency, so the Council have submitted the bid with the support of local organisations, schools and colleges, public bodies, Greater Manchester bodies and ward councillors.

In response to previous criticism, the Council have stated that the proposals in Leigh present "the best possible chance of securing money" against the government's strict criteria. 

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Leigh Journal: The Council plans to revamp shop fronts in the town centre (Pic: Wigan Council)The Council plans to revamp shop fronts in the town centre (Pic: Wigan Council) (Image: Wigan Council)

Focusing on transforming Haigh Hall into a "cultural visitor destination of national significance", Wigan's Levelling Up bid is for £20m.

In Ashton-in-Makerfield, the Council have submitted a £7.2m bid to improve the shop fronts and exteriors of town centre buildings, as well the creation of a new market and community space, along with general improvements to Gerard Street.

Leigh Journal: The Council have bid £20m with a focus to improve Haigh Hall Country ParkThe Council have bid £20m with a focus to improve Haigh Hall Country Park (Image: Wigan Council)

Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux MBE, said: “We are delighted to have submitted three strong, exciting and achievable bids that have been shaped in partnership with residents and partner organisations.

“These projects follow on from our own masterplans for these locations and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the consultation phases leading up to this milestone.

“It is important to note that our borough is identified by central government within the top tier of local authorities for funding.

“These bids encapsulate a Wigan Borough that is looking to the future; how we help our local high streets to thrive, working with our communities to deliver improvements that people want to see, and showcasing our spectacular heritage.”

Leigh Journal: A refurbishment of Leigh Market has been proposed (The Council plans to revamp shop fronts in the town centre (Pic: Wigan Council)A refurbishment of Leigh Market has been proposed (The Council plans to revamp shop fronts in the town centre (Pic: Wigan Council) (Image: Wigan Council)

Coun Molyneux added: “I am confident that our proposals meet the government’s criteria for the Levelling Up Fund and, although we expect high levels of competition across the country for this funding, I hope that the strength of our three bids will shine through and enable us to deliver these exciting projects with our communities.”