Borough Life Winter 2006: The future’s bright – and green – for Bickershaw
The borough’s biggest area of derelict land is set for a multi-million pound transformation on a massive scale.
Abandoned land north of Bickershaw Colliery in Leigh – a 500 acre site that’s bigger than London’s Hyde Park – is to get nearly £18 million of government funding to create open space, a country park, golf courses and a visitor centre. The funding is part of an overall package, including money for long-term maintenance, of more than £37million awarded to Bickershaw by regeneration agency English Partnerships through its National Coalfields Programme.
Wigan Council will take on the job of creating a series of open spaces, including a free country park, community woodland and leisure activities including allotments, walking and cycling trails and golf. The visitor centre will include education and nature facilities, play equipment and a landscaped outdoor events arena.
Bickershaw will be the largest coalfield regeneration scheme in the country. A planning application will be submitted in 2007 and a start on site is expected in early 2008.
Council leader Peter Smith said: “The council is fully behind this visionary plan. The new facilities we’ll be creating at Bickershaw will complement those at Leigh Sports Village and Pennington Flash to create a superb series of leisure opportunities stretching north through the green heart of our borough.
“They reflect what people have told us they want. We’re aiming to bring about a permanent transformation of our last major area of derelict land.”
Paul Spooner, regional director of English Partnerships, said Bickershaw would be “one of the most wonderful” country parks anywhere in the UK, with fantastic leisure facilities, cycling, walks, allotments and golf.
“The best regeneration schemes are created by local people for local people. We anticipate over 350,000 visitors a year once it’s established”, he added.
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is developing the southern part of the Bickershaw site with up to 650 new homes and a marina with the potential for waterside bars, restaurants and shops.
Health chiefs have also welcomed the news. A healthy living strategy lies at the heart of the plans and Ann Reid, specialist in public health at Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust, said the attractive range of leisure facilities would make it easier for residents to get fit and stay healthy.
More consultation with residents and community groups on the detailed designs is planned. The council intends to commission a memorial to those who worked and died at Bickershaw Colliery.