Leigh Regeneration Project

It is an exciting time for Leigh town centre. Wigan Council has secured more than £32m as part of the Levelling Up Fund for a range of projects that will revitalise the town centre making it a safe and attractive place for residents, visitors and businesses.

The project will focus on:

Public spaces
Shopfront and building grant scheme
Leigh Market refurbishment

Public spaces

The aim is to create attractive, flexible, and active spaces to promote cultural and community use, while forging better connections across the town centre.

Civic Square Improvements

The design for the refurbishment of Civic Square has been developed through consultations with the public and key stakeholders. Including local school children, youth groups, community drop-in events, and surveys. The following elements were highlighted as important:

Having a central space for events
Good lighting
Safe places to sit
Attractive greenery.

Market Street Improvements

This project will improve Market Street, Market Place and King Street Corridor, next to Civic Square.

It is proposed to improve road safety with new and improved crossing points, and the existing highway will allow for all modes of travel. Improvements will create an attractive environment that encourages more people to use the public spaces.

Public realm improvements include:

New paving
Seating
Planting.

The scheme is currently progressing through the design stages and will be open for further public consultation soon.

Shopfront and Building Grant Scheme

This scheme enables business and premises owners to apply for grants towards works to improve their buildings. Focusing on preserving and improving historic features on buildings and works that contribute to the attractiveness and vitality of the town centre.

Details of the priority areas, eligibility and how to apply are available at Leigh Town Centre Building Grant Scheme.

Leigh Market Refurbishment

This scheme will ensure the long term-sustainability of the existing market by creating a more comfortable and attractive environment for traders and customers alike.

It is envisaged that the refurbishment of the market will include:

Improvements to the outside of the building
Works to the roof
New windows
Improved entrances
Improved heating and cooling systems to make the space more comfortable all year round and improve energy efficiency of the building
A new seating area to encourage people to eat and drink in the market and spend more time there
Enhanced internal lighting
Branding and external signage
New flooring and decoration.

The scheme is in the design stage with conversations taking place with market traders to ensure the scheme reflects their needs and aspirations. To make sure the scheme is successful there will be more conversations like these in 2025.

Leigh Town Board and Long Term Plan for Towns

The Leigh Town Board, created in April 2024, leads the Long Term Towns Fund initiative. It is independently chaired and is made up of representatives from a range of sectors in Leigh. The Board voices Leigh communities' priorities and needs, determining the usage of £20m from the Long Term Plan for Town initiative. The Council also has representation on the board and is held accountable.

Details about the Leigh Town Board, including membership and meeting notes are available.

The Town Board is developing a 10-year vision and a 3-year investment plan for the Long Term Plan for Towns funding. They have consulted with locals over the summer while the government halted the initiative for budget preparation. Details about the next steps of the Long Term plan for Towns initiative is expected form the government soon.