Regeneration plans set to 'transform' Leigh as town to receive £32m

After an initial rejection from the government, Wigan Council was awarded £12m from the Levelling Up Fund last year to deliver an ambitious regeneration scheme in Leigh town centre over the next two years.  

The scheme includes refurbishing Leigh Market, improving town centre areas such as Civic Square and a business grant scheme to improve shop fronts and make the town centre more attractive to visitors.

The Government’s long terms Towns Fund will also deliver an extra £20m into Leigh over the next 10 years.

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The funding will be used to revamp Civic Square (Image: Wigan Council)

Councillor Keith Cunliffe, Deputy Leader of Wigan Council, said: “It has been an exciting couple of years for Leigh, as a host of the Women’s Euros, the Rugby League World Cup and, of course, the Challenge Cup returning for the first time since 1971. 

“But we want this to just be the start, with this major regeneration project set to deliver real tangible improvements to Leigh ensuring it is a thriving and vibrant town centre at the heart of our community. 

“We’re really looking forward to getting out and about, engaging with residents, businesses and local community organisations, working in partnership to ensure this project delivers the best it can for our town centre.” 

Similar to Leigh Innovation Board, the Towns Board will include members from the local authority, businesses, and community groups (Image: Leigh Innovation Board)
Karen Cox, Chair of the Leigh Innovation Board and Spinning Gate shopping centre manager, said: “These are really exciting times for Leigh town centre and will build on the fantastic work we have been able to do as a business, public and third sector collective, in shouting up for our town.  

“In 2023, we saw several new businesses open here in Leigh, from hospitality with That Secret Ingredient to shops like Purrfect Crafting, and services like Meadows Psychology. 

“As local businesses, we are looking forward to playing a key role in this exciting regeneration and ensuring a great future for our town centre.” 

The Government has stipulated that a Town Board has to be established, bringing community leaders, employers, local authorities, and the local MP together to develop a shared vision for their town and oversee the funding and long-term plan.

This Board will include a mixture of representatives board along with the local authority, to ensure that the processes are transparent and accountable and that funding is used to respond to the priorities of local people.

For more information about the plans, you can visit the council's website here.