Wigan town centre, with around 56,000 sq m (608,000 sq ft) of shops, is the largest centre and is of sub-regional importance, ranking alongside centres such as Bolton and Warrington. Leigh is the second largest centre and serves a smaller catchment area.
In addition, there are 7 other town centres (Ashton-in-Makerfield, Atherton, Golborne, Hindley, Pemberton, Standish and Tyldesley). There are also a further 25 smaller local centres which principally serve their surrounding residential areas.
The Unitary Development Plan's aim to maintain the primary role of the borough's town centres as the focus for shopping and other commercial activity, has been achieved despite pressure for new and larger stores in 'out of town' locations. The Replacement Unitary Development Plan continues to promote town centres as the preferred location for larger retail, leisure and office developments
The council has embarked on a further initiative to produce a series of 'Centreplans' for the borough's main town centres.
To date, detailed plans have been prepared for:
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