Pride in Place board sets out 10-year masterplan for Leigh

Pride in Place board sets out 10-year masterplan for Leigh

A 10-year regeneration plan set to guide a multi-million-pound investment in Leigh has passed a significant milestone.

Outline plans for the £20m Pride in Place fund have been agreed by the Leigh Neighbourhood Board.

This week, Wigan Council’s cabinet has formally approved the plans, acting in its capacity as the accountable body for the administration of the funds.

The Board, which is independently chaired, will guide the project and how the money will be invested.

Its new chair, local business owner Alex Grundy, said the level of investment represents "a real opportunity" to shape the town’s future, driven by community voices.

He said: “It’s exciting to be in this position to submit our proposals about how we want to improve and change things in Leigh.

“The board is made up of people who all have a connection to our town and want to make a difference.

“This major investment represents a real opportunity and I’m confident that spending this money in the right way will have a positive impact and start to change attitudes in Leigh.”

Complementing other regeneration projects in Leigh, such as the Civic Square and Market Place revamp, the refurbishment of Leigh Market and high street shop fronts scheme, Pride in Place is a longer-term scheme aiming to create vibrant, safer, healthier neighbourhoods where communities can thrive.

With Wigan Council as the accountable body for the funds distributed by central government, the 10-year plan was given the cabinet seal of approval before being submitted to Westminster at the end of the month.

Listening to the feedback of more than 1,500 responses from last year’s public consultation, the Board has agreed on eight priorities to transform how people see and experience Leigh and ensure that the town feels safe and welcoming.

Two priorities will be the immediate focus; to set the town centre on a prosperous footing and tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Residents can expect to see a range of projects including the enhancement of public spaces, growth of the local events and cultural programme, and a focus on more targeted enforcement action on illegal activity.

As the Board is responsible for being the voice of the community and making decisions on how the investment is spent, members will engage with the community in the new year to invite proposals for funding and ensure the project reflects community priorities.

Mr Grundy added: “By strengthening the town’s cultural, leisure, business and safety initiatives, the aim is to create a place that people feel proud to call home and a town centre that is vibrant, cleaner, greener, and active from morning through to evening.

“With shared ambition, creativity, and a strong sense of community, Leigh will flourish as a town full of opportunity, growth and pride.”

The Board is independently chaired and includes local leaders such as the local MP, local Councillors, police, health and education, local businesses and community representatives.

Councillor Keith Cunliffe, deputy leader of Wigan Council added: "The Pride in Place fund is another significant opportunity to improve things in Leigh, which will help the town become a more welcoming and attractive place to live, work, shop, and visit.

“The Board has shown a real willingness to communicate and collaborate, and with lots of trusted partners involved, I’m sure that this investment will make a lasting impact. As the investment complements other planned projects in the town, there is lots to look forward to in Leigh.”

For more information about the Leigh Neighbourhood Board, visit: Leigh Neighbourhood Board.