WE’VE had the sports village... the development of the former Bickershaw Colliery is under way… and now it’s time for Leigh town centre to take the spotlight.
The council is looking forward and has commissioned an important new masterplan to guide the future development of central Leigh.
Thanks to funding from the North West Development Agency, the council will appoint experts to talk to residents and businesses and make sure everyone has their say on what they want for the future.
Plans already being considered include removing some of the town’s eyesores, creating new public spaces and encouraging more businesses to make Leigh their home.
The move has been welcomed by the town’s MP and Culture Secretary Andy Burnham, who says: “There have been vast changes in Leigh over the last few years and there are more to come. The Sports Village has played a vital role in strengthening the town’s position. We now need to make sure that the town centre is developed to reflect these changes.”
The council’s regeneration champion Cllr David Molyneux adds: “This plan will help us to identify how the town centre can benefit from all the regeneration that’s taking place around it. A key part to this is making sure that people and businesses have their say.”
Work will be underway in the next few months, with the feasibility study and masterplan due for completion in April 2009.
To find out more about the plans email development manager Christine Bainbridge at c.bainbridge@wigan.gov.uk
Village is shining example
WHEN it comes to shining examples of how regeneration is helping to give Leigh the boost it deserves, look no further than the town’s very own sports village.
The £83m council-sponsored project is the biggest investment in public sports, leisure and education facilities the borough has seen in recent years.
Field of dreams: the new Leigh Sports Village stadium.
The village is now the official home to Leigh Centurions, Leigh Harriers, and a number of other sports clubs.
But you don’t have to be a top athlete to join the ‘village people’ because the facilities are there for all.
There’s a modern gym, swimming pool, grass and artificial pitches and a multi-use games area.
As well as becoming the ‘theatre of dreams’ for the town’s sporting talent the 10,000-seater stadium is a great venue for conferences, with 22 corporate hospitality boxes and a function room for up to 170 people.
All this makes the stadium a great place for a celebration and party nights will be organised throughout the year.
To find out how you can make the most of Leigh Sports Village call 01942 487487 or visit Leigh Sports Village (external link)
