We need to improve participation in cultural activity, to increase the range and quality of facilities, and to work more closely with particular communities and groups.
At present
75% of the population use the Borough’s parks and open spaces (Citizens Panel 2004) and the range of cultural and sporting opportunities that enrich our day to day lives has increased significantly over the last few years.
The key to a strong community lies in achieving a balance between work and leisure through active participation and better communication.
Progress so far
- Playful and Resourceful project.
- LEAP – Over 50s physical activity programme.
- The Wigan Pier Community and Youth Theatre Companies.
- Arts for All/Arts in the Park.
- Street Theatre.
- Various cultural and youth festivals.
- The world class Wigan Jazz Festival.
- What’s on Guide for Wigan Borough.
- Streets Ahead festival.
Actions
- Development and restoration of Mesnes Park.
- Playful and Resourceful project.
- Promotion and concessionary scheme for cultural and leisure activity such as “Freestyle” free swimming for under 16s.
- Increase young people’s participation in sport.
- Culturally diverse activities for all parts of the community.
- Legacy Project (community archive/people’s history).
- Promote positive image of young people through work with local media & press, and Young People’s newspaper.
- Free public access facilities for skateboarding, blading and BMX.
- Leigh Sports Village.
- Development of libraries and information services.
- Performance Space at Wigan Pier Quarter.
- Encourage physical activity within schools, work places and communities.
Our targets
- Increase percentage of residents who’ve participated in cultural and leisure activities in the last year.
- Increase number of visits to sports/leisure centres operated by WLCT per ‘000 local people.
- Increase number of visits to libraries and museums operated by WLCT per ‘000 local people.
- Increase percentage of population who have visited Parks and open spaces in the last 6 months.
- Increase total number of attendances at arts events arranged or supported by WLCT per ‘000 local people.
- Increase total number of tourists visiting the borough.
- Increase the amount of visitor spend in the borough.
Visit the "Measuring performance" page for the full list of targets.
How you could contribute
- Make an effort to visit local places of interest.
- Join your local library.
- Get involved in a community activity.
- Support community drama and arts events.
- Learn to play a musical instrument.
