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.
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.
Between 1998 and 2001, Wigan town centre benefited from investment of £2.1m European funds and £12m of other public and private sector money. The next major stage in the development of Wigan town centre will be the £80m Grand Arcade development in the Station Road area of the town. This exciting development will be opened in 2007 and will provide over 400,000 sq ft of floorspace including a new Debenhams department store.
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