Work has begun on the new £187m Wigan Life Centre, and it is already bringing cash and much-needed jobs into town.
One of the most ambitious council projects ever undertaken in the country, the Wigan Life Centre will, in two years, see a new ‘one stop shop’ where the public can access council, health, leisure and housing services, or visit a state of the art library or swimming pool.
Cllr David Molyneux, deputy leader of Wigan Council and champion for regeneration, says:
“The advantages for the people of Wigan will be huge when the Wigan Life Centre is completed at the end of 2011. But we have ensured there are benefits right now as well.”
Written into the contract with leading construction firm Morgan Ashurst is a commitment that local people will be employed whenever possible.
“It’s only week one of the project, and already two thirds of those on site are from the Wigan area,” adds Cllr Molyneux. “And every single person there is contributing to the local shops and the local economy.”
Brian Barritt, Morgan Ashurst’s senior contract manger, is so passionate about involving local people, he has already appointed a ‘Wigganer’ as his logistics manager and is in talks with local tradesmen and subcontractors. As construction progresses, he plans to recruit local labour to include apprentices, security officers with knowledge of the area and secretarial and support staff.
“We are extremely proud to be a part of this fantastic project which is shaping the town’s future,” says Brian. “It’s also great to be working in the heart of the community and we’re really looking forward to building great relationships with local suppliers, who we hope to be using for everything from simple things like sandwiches to major components.”
Cllr Molyneux is delighted with this commitment and pledges to ensure that not only construction jobs, but permanent jobs in the Wigan Life Centre will follow when it is ready.
“The new Centre, and similar contact points throughout the borough, will put resident and tenants in easy reach of the services they need. Wigan won some £77m towards this project in tough competition with other councils, and everyone here will see the important and positive difference it makes to their lives and the quality of service they receive from their public services.”
